Ophthalmic And Otic Compositions Of Facially Amphiphilic Polymers And Oligomers And Uses Thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses ophthalmic and otic compositions of facially amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers and oligomers and their uses, including their use in methods for treating and preventing ophthalmic infections and otic infections in humans and animals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/882,800 filed Dec. 29, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions of facially amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers and oligomers useful for the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic and otic infections. The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions for treating and/or preventing ophthalmic and otic infections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bacterial drug resistance is a significant current health problem throughout the world. Multiple drug resistance is being commonly seen in a number of human pathogens (see, e.g., Hiramatsu et al., J. Antimicrob. Chemother., 1998, 40, 311-313 and Montecalvo et al., Antimicro. Agents Chemother., 1994, 38, 1363-1367, and the incidence of drug-resistant hospital infections is growing at a rapid rate. For example, in some U.S. hospitals, nosocomial pathogens, such as E. faecium and Acinetobacter species, have acquired multiple resistance determinants and are virtually untreatable with current antimicrobial agents. Bacterial resistance has now reached epidemic proportions and has been attributed to a variety of abuses of antibiotic treatments, including overuse (Monroe et al., Curr. Opin. Microbiol., 2000, 3, 496-501), inappropriate dosing at sub-therapeutic levels (Guillemot et al., JAMA, 1998, 279, 365-370), and misuse as antimicrobial growth promoters in animal food (Lathers, J. Clin. Pharmacol., 2002, 42, 587-600). Moreover, the threat of bio-terrorism has provided a further impetus to develop novel classes of antibiotics, particularly ones against which it will be difficult to develop resistant bacterial strains.

The pharmaceutical scientific community is responding to this challenge by focusing on the development of new antibiotic drugs. Much of this work, however, is directed to synthesizing analogs of known drugs, such as cephalosporins and quinolones, that, while potentially useful for a short time, will inevitably also encounter bacterial drug resistance and become ineffective. Thus, therapeutically effective antimicrobial drugs that act by novel mechanisms would provide an economic as well as a human health benefit.

A series of nonpeptidic mimics of the natural antimicrobial peptides have been developed that are polymers, oligomers and small molecules comprised of non-natural building blocks. See, Tew et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2002, 99, 5110-5116; Arnt et al., J. Polym. Sci., Part A, 2004, 42, 3860-3864; and Liu et al., Angew Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 2004, 43, 1158-1162. Many of these compounds are significantly smaller and easier to prepare than the natural antimicrobial peptides and peptidic mimetics, with the shortest of these oligomers having molecular weights typical of small molecule drugs. They have the same mechanism of action as magainin, are highly potent and have a broad spectrum of activity, killing gram-positive, gram-negative and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Relative to the antimicrobial peptides, the non-peptidic mimetics are significantly less toxic towards human erythrocytes, much less expensive to prepare, and more stable.

See, for example, U.S. Published Patent Appl. Nos. US 2006-0041023 A1, US 2004-0202639 A1, US 2005-0287108 A1, and US 2006-0024264 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,102.

There is a great need for improved compositions and methods of treatment based on the use of antimicrobials that are more effective than existing agents against key ophthalmic and otic pathogens, and less prone to the development of resistance by those pathogens. In particular, there is a great need for effective compositions and methods for the treatment of otic infections, especially bacterial infections. The use of oral antibacterials to treat otic infections in children has limited efficacy and creates a serious risk of pathogen resistance to the orally administered antibacterial agent.

Thus, a need remains for improved ophthalmic and otic antimicrobial compositions, in particular, for broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents useful for the treatment of ophthalmic and otic infections that are not prone to the development of resistance by ophthalmic and/or otic pathogens and that are effective in the treatment of ophthalmic and otic pathogens that have already developed resistance to existing antimicrobial agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compositions of antimicrobial, amphiphilic polymers and oligomers or Formulae I, II, IV, V, and VI,

R¹—[—X-A₁-Y—X-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (I)

R¹—[—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (II)

R¹—[—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z]_(m)-R²  (IV)

R¹-[-A₁-W-A₂-W-]_(m)-R²  (V)

A-(B)_(n1)-(D)_(m1)-H  (VI)

or acceptable salts or solvates thereof, wherein R¹, R², A₁, A₂, A, B, D, X, Y, Z, W, m, m1, and n1 are as defined below, including antimicrobial compositions that can be administered for the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic and otic infections in humans or animals.

The amphiphilic polymers and oligomers useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyamide and polyester compounds of Formulae I and II wherein X is O, NR³, or S, Y is C═O, C═S, or SO₂, and A₁ and A₂ are aromatic, heteroaromatic, or aliphatic moieties appropriately substituted with one or more polar and/or nonpolar groups; polyurea, polycarbamate, and polycarbonate compounds of Formula IV wherein X and Y are O, NR³, or S, Z is C═O, C═S, or SO₂, and A₁ and A₂ are aromatic, heteroaromatic, or aliphatic moieties appropriately substituted with one or more polar and/or nonpolar groups. Also useful in the present invention are amphiphilic polyaryl and polyarylalkynyl polymers and oligomers of Formula V wherein W is —CH2-, —CH₂—CH2-, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C—, and A₁ and A₂ are aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties appropriately substituted with one or more polar and/or nonpolar groups; and random methacrylate copolymers of Formula VI wherein R¹ and R² are end groups appropriate for the specific polymer or oligomer and are as defined below.

Thus, the present invention is directed to an ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial polymer or oligomer of Formula I as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.

The present invention is also directed to an ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial polymer or oligomer of Formula II as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II has Formula IIa as disclosed herein.

The present invention is further directed to an ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial polymer or oligomer of Formula IV as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV has Formula IVa, Formula IVb, or Formula IVc as disclosed herein.

The present invention is also directed to an ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial polymer or oligomer of Formula V as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V has Formula Va as disclosed herein.

The present invention is further directed to an ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial random polymer or oligomer of Formula VI as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.

The present invention is also directed to an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising a) an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI as disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount effective for treatment and/or prophylaxis of a microbial infection of an eye of an animal; and b) an ophthalmically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to one or more tissues of the eye.

The present invention is also directed to an ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein the improvement comprises employing an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the composition in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye.

The present invention is also directed to any of the ophthalmic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for topical administration to one or more tissues of an eye of an animal.

The present invention is also directed to any of the ophthalmic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for ocular implant.

The present invention is also directed to any of the ophthalmic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the oligomer is present in the composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight.

The present invention is also directed to any of the ophthalmic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the ophthalmically acceptable excipient is selected from a preservative, a stabilizer, an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory agent, a viscosity-enhancing agent, and an agent to prolong residence time of the oligomer in ocular tissue, or any combination thereof.

The present invention is also directed to use of the compounds and compositions of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for treating or preventing ophthalmic and/or otic infections in a human or animal.

In some embodiments of the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention, the preservative is selected from a phenylmercuric salt, thimerosal, stabilized chlorine dioxide, a quaternary ammonium compound, imidazolidinyl urea, a paraben, phenoxyethanol, chlorophenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, chlorobutanol, chlorocresol, phenylethyl alcohol, and sorbic acid and its salts, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the antioxidant is selected from ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, and acetylcysteine.

In some embodiments, the stabilizer is a chelating agent, such as, for example, disodium EDTA.

In some embodiments, the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerol.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition further comprises an additional ophthalmically acceptable excipient. The additional ophthalmically acceptable excipient is selected from a buffering agent, a solubilizing agent, a surfactant, a lubricating agent, and an ophthalmically acceptable salt, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition further comprises an additional medicament. The additional medicament is selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimicrobial agent, an anesthetic agent, and an anti-allergic agent.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, comprising administering to an eye of an animal in need of the treating or preventing an effective amount of an ophthalmic composition of the present invention.

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, wherein the composition comprises an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI, as disclosed herein, in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the antimicrobial ophthalmic composition is administered topically to one or more tissues of the eye of the animal.

In some embodiments of the methods present invention, the ophthalmic composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for ocular implant. In other embodiments, the ophthalmic composition is administered 2 to 4 times daily. In yet other embodiments, the oligomer in the ophthalmic composition is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the microbial ophthalmic infection is a bacterial infection. For example, in some embodiments, the bacterial infection is caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, Haemophilus, Serratia, Pseudomonas, or Neisseria spp. In other embodiments, the microbial infection is a fungal infection. For example, in some embodiments, the fungal infection is caused by Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. In yet other embodiments, the microbial infection is a viral infection. For example, in some embodiments, the viral infection is caused by a herpes virus. In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the ophthalmic infection is selected from bacterial keratitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.

The present invention is also directed to an otic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer or polymer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IV, Formula V, or Formula VI, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an otically acceptable excipient.

The present invention is also directed to an antimicrobial otic composition, the composition comprising a) an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount effective for treatment and/or prophylaxis of a microbial infection of an ear of an animal; and b) an otically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to one or more tissues of the ear.

The present invention is also directed to an otic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an ear of an animal, wherein the composition comprises an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI as disclosed herein, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the ear.

The present invention is also directed to any of the otic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for topical administration to one or more tissues of an ear of an animal.

The present invention is also directed to any of the otic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for otic implant.

The present invention is also directed to any of the otic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the polymer or oligomer is present in the otic composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight.

The present invention is also directed to any of the otic compositions disclosed herein, wherein the otically acceptable excipient is selected from a preservative, a stabilizer, an antioxidant, and a viscosity-enhancing agent, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the otic compositions, the preservative is selected from a phenylmercuric salt, thimerosal, stabilized chlorine dioxide, a quaternary ammonium compound, imidazolidinyl urea, paraben, phenoxyethanol, chlorophenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, chlorobutanol, chlorocresol, phenylethyl alcohol, and sorbic acid and its salts, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the antioxidant is selected from ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, and acetylcysteine.

In some embodiments, the stabilizer is a chelating agent, such as, for example, disodium EDTA.

In some embodiments, the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerol.

In some embodiments, the otic composition further comprises an additional otically acceptable excipient. The additional otically acceptable excipient is selected from a buffering agent, a solubilizing agent, a surfactant, a lubricating agent, and an ophthalmically acceptable salt, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the otic composition further comprises an additional medicament. The additional medicament is selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimicrobial agent, an anesthetic agent, and an anti-allergic agent.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treating or preventing a microbial infection in an ear of an animal, the method comprising administering to an ear of an animal in need of the treating or preventing an effective amount of an otic composition of the present invention.

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an ear of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the ear an antimicrobial otic composition, wherein the composition comprises an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI, as disclosed herein, in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the antimicrobial otic composition is administered topically to one or more tissues of the ear of the animal.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the otic composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for otic implant. In other embodiments, the otic composition is administered 2 to 4 times daily. In yet other embodiments, the polymer or oligomer is present in the otic composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the microbial otic infection is a bacterial infection. In other embodiments, the infection is a fungal infection. In yet other embodiments, the infection is a viral infection.

In some embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the otic infection is selected from otitis extema and otitis media.

In particular, the present embodiments include, for example:

1) An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I:

R¹—[—X-A₁-Y—X-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (I)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, O, or S;

Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

A₁ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene and A₂ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

A₂ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, and A₁ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group,         and R² is —X-A₁-Y—R¹¹, wherein R¹¹ is hydrogen, a polar (PL)         group, or a non-polar (NPL) group; or     -   (ii) R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group,         or a non-polar (NPL) group; or     -   (iii) R¹ and R² together are a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3′))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, ═C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and

m is 1 to about 20;

and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 2) The composition of 1), wherein:

X is NR⁸;

Y is C═O;

R⁸ is hydrogen;

A₁ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₂ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two non-polar (NPL) group(s); or A₂ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₁ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group;

NPL is —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R^(4′) is selected from C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₆-C₁₀ aryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from NH, —C(═O)—, O, and S;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are 0;

PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NH, and —C(═O);

V is selected from amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are 0; and

m is 4 or 5.

3) An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II:

R¹—[—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (II)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, O, S, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, —N(R⁸)—(N═N)—, —(N═N)—N(R⁸)—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))NR⁸—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))O—, or —C(R⁷R^(7′))S—;

Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —C(═O)C(═O)—, C(R⁶R^(6′))C═O, or C(R⁶R^(6′))C═S;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

R⁷ and R^(7′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or R⁷ and R^(7′) together are —(CH₂)_(p)—, wherein p is 4 to 8;

R⁶ and R^(6′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or R⁶ and R^(6′) together are (CH₂)₂NR¹²(CH₂)₂, wherein R¹² is hydrogen, —C(═N)CH₃ or C(═NH)—NH₂;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s);     -   (iii) —Y-A₂-Y—R², and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (iv) —Y-A′ and R² is —X-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and         is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s),         one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (v) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (vi) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and

m is 1 to about 20,

and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 4) The composition of 1) or 2), wherein the oligomer has Formula IIa:

R¹—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—X-A₁-X—R²  (IIa)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, O, S, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—;

Y is C═O, C═S, or O═S═O;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2.

5) The composition of any one of 1), 2), and 4), wherein:

X is NR⁸;

Y is C═O;

R⁸ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted phenylene or optionally substituted pyrimidinylene, wherein A₁ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), and A₂ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) or is unsubstituted;

R¹ is a polar group (PL);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen and alkyl optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR³, and —C(═O)—;

pNPL is 0 to 6;

q1NPL and q2NPL are 0;

PL is a polar group —(NR⁵)_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR⁵, and —C(═O)—;

V is selected from amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, and lower acylamino;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are 0.

6) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), and 5), wherein:

A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group;

A₂ is unsubstituted pyrimidinylene or pyrimidinylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6.

7) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), and 5), wherein:

A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group;

A₂ is unsubstituted phenylene or phenylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6.

8) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), and 6), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 9) The composition of any one of 1), 2), and 4), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 10) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 8), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 11) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 8), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 12) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 8), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 13) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 8), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 14) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 8), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 15) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), and 5), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 16) The composition of any one of 1), 2), 4), 5), and 15), wherein the oligomer is

or a salt or solvate thereof. 17) An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV:

R¹—[—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z]_(m)—R²  (IV)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof,

wherein:

X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O;

Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ and A₂ are as defined         above, and each of which is optionally substituted with one or         more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s),         or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or         more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (iv) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A′-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above,         A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A₁ and A′ is optionally         substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar         (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (v) -Z-Y-A′ and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a         non-polar group (NPL), wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (vi) -Z-Y-A′, and R² is —X-A″, wherein A′ and A″ are,         independently, aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A′ and A″ is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (vii) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (viii) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and

m is 1 to about 20;

and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 18) The composition of 17), wherein the oligomer has Formula IVa, Formula IVb, or Formula IVc:

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVa)

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X—R²  (IVb)

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVc)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O;

Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2.

19) An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V:

R¹—[-A₁-W-A₂-W—]_(m)—R²  (V)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein:

(i) A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

(ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0 to 8, and the —(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups;

W is absent, or represents —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C—;

R¹ is

-   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R²     is -A₁-R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is optionally     substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more     non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL)     group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is -A₁-W-A₂-R¹, wherein each of A₁ and A₂ is as defined         above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL)         group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination         of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar         (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iii) A′-W— and R² is -A₁-W-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or         heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one         or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s)         and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iv) A′-W— and R² is -A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl,         either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar         (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) groups(s), or a         combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iv) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ or —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴, wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N— and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to 2; and

m is 1 to about 25;

and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 20) The composition of 19), wherein the oligomer has Formula Va:

R¹-A₁-W-A₂-W-A₁-R²  (Va)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein:

-   -   (i) A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with         one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s)         and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally         substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar         (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the         other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0         to 8, and the —(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally         substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups;

W is —C≡C—;

R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), a non-polar group (NPL), or —W-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴;

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³—O—, —R³—S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to 2.

21) The composition of 19) or 20), wherein

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted m-phenylene, wherein A₁ is optionally substituted with two polar (PL) groups, and A₂ is unsubstituted;

R¹ is a polar group;

PL is independently halo or —(NR⁵)_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR⁵, and —C(═O)—;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, and lower acylamino;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are 0.

22) The composition of any one of 19) to 21), wherein:

R¹ is halo;

PL is or —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino and halo; and

pPL is 0 to 6.

23) The composition of any one of 19) to 21), wherein the oligomer is one of

or a salt or solvate thereof. 24) The composition of any one of 19) to 21), wherein the oligomer is

25) An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial random copolymer of Formula VI:

A-(B)_(n1)-(D)_(m1)-H  (VI)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A is the residue of a chain transfer agent;

B is —[CH₂—C(R¹¹)(B₁₁)]—, wherein B₁₁ is —X₁₁—Y₁₁-Z₁₁, wherein

X₁₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₁₁ is absent;

Y₁₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or Y₁₁ is absent;

Z₁₁ is -Z_(11A)-Z_(11B), wherein Z_(11A) is alkylene, arylene, or heteroarylene, any of which is optionally substituted; or Z_(11A) is absent; and Z_(11B) is -guanidino, -amidino, —N(R³)(R⁴), or —N⁺(R³)(R⁴)(R⁵), wherein R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or aralkyl; or

Z₁₁ is pyridinium

or phosphonium

wherein R⁸¹, R⁹¹¹, R⁹²¹, and R⁹³¹ are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl;

R¹¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

D is —[CH₂—C(R²¹)(D₂₁)]-, wherein D₂₁ is —X₂₁—Y₂₁-Z₂₁, wherein

X₂₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₂₁ is absent;

Y₂₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, or Y₂₁ is absent;

Z₂₁ is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which is optionally substituted;

R²¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

m₁, the mole fraction of D monomer, is about 0.1 to about 0.9; and

n₁, the mole fraction of B monomer, is 1-m₁;

wherein the copolymer is a random copolymer of B and D monomers, and

wherein the copolymer has a degree of polymerization of about 5 to about 50; and

an ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 26) The composition of 25), wherein:

A is C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkylthio;

X₁₁ and X₂₁ are carbonyl;

Y₁₁ and Y₂₁ are 0;

Z₁₁ is -Z_(11A)-Z_(11B), wherein Z_(11A) is C₁₋₆ alkylene optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl; and Z_(11B) is —N(R³¹)(R⁴¹) or —N(R³¹)(R⁴¹)(R⁵¹), wherein R³¹, R⁴¹, and R⁵¹ are independently hydrogen C₁₋₄ alkyl;

Z₂₁ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ aryl, or C₁₆ ar(C₁₋₄)alkyl; and

R¹¹ and R²¹ are, independently, hydrogen or methyl;

m₁ is about 0.35 to about 0.60; and

wherein the copolymer has a degree of polymerization of about 5 to about 10.

27) An antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising: (a) an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IIa:

R¹—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—X-A₁-X—R²  (IIa)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, O, S, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—;

Y is C═O, C═S, or O═S═O;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(=°)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR⁵)_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount effective for treatment and/or prophylaxis of a microbial infection of an eye of an animal; and (b) an ophthalmically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to one or more tissues of the eye. 28) The composition of 27), wherein:

A₁ is m-phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group;

A₂ is unsubstituted m-pyrimidinylene or m-pyrimidinylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6.

29) The composition of 27), wherein:

A₁ is m-phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group;

A₂ is unsubstituted m-phenylene or m-phenylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6.

30) The composition of 27) or 28), wherein the oligomer is one of

or a salt or solvate thereof. 31) The composition of 27) or 29), wherein the oligomer is one of

or a salt or solvate thereof. 32) An ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein composition comprises the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I of 1) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye. 33) An ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein the composition comprises the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II of 3) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye. 34) An ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein the composition comprises the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV of 17) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye. 35) An ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein the composition comprises the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V of 19) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye. 36) An ophthalmic composition for use in treatment or prevention of a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, wherein the composition comprises the antimicrobial oligomer of Formula VI of 25) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection when the composition is administered to one or more tissues of the eye. 37) The composition of any one of 1) to 36), wherein the composition is suitable for topical administration to one or more tissues of an eye of an animal. 38) The composition of any one of 1) to 36), wherein the composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for ocular implant. 39) The composition of 38), wherein the oligomer is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight. 40) The composition of any one of 1) to 31), wherein the ophthalmically acceptable excipient is selected from a preservative, a stabilizer, an antioxidant, and a viscosity-enhancing agent, or any combination thereof. 41) The composition of 40), wherein the preservative is selected from a phenylmercuric salt, thimerosal, stabilized chlorine dioxide, quaternary ammonium compound, imidazolidinyl urea, paraben, phenoxyethanol, chlorophenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, chlorobutanol, chlorocresol, phenylethyl alcohol, and sorbic acid or a salt thereof, or any combination thereof. 42) The composition of 40), wherein the antioxidant is selected from ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, and acetylcysteine. 43) The composition of 40), wherein the stabilizer is a chelating agent. 44) The composition of 43), wherein the chelating agent is disodium EDTA (disodium edetate). 45) The composition of 40), wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerol. 46) The composition of 37), wherein the composition further comprises an additional ophthalmically acceptable excipient. 47) The composition of 46), wherein the additional ophthalmically acceptable excipient is selected from a buffering agent, a solubilizing agent, a surfactant, a lubricating agent, and an ophthalmically acceptable salt, or any combination thereof. 48) The composition of 37), wherein the composition further comprises an additional medicament. 49) The composition of 48), wherein the additional medicament is selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antimicrobial agent, an anesthetic agent, and an anti-allergic agent. 50) The composition of 49), wherein the additional medicament is a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. 51) The composition of 50), wherein the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent is a glucocorticoid. 52) The composition of 50), wherein the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent is selected from dexamethasone, rimexolone, prednisolone, fluorometholone, and hydrocortisone. 53) The composition of 49), wherein the additional medicament is an antimicrobial agent. 54) The composition of 53), wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from an anti-bacterial agent, an anti-fungal agent, and an anti-viral agent. 55) A method of treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal, said method comprising administering to an eye of an animal in need of said treating or preventing an effective amount of an ophthalmic composition of any one of 1) to 36). 56) The method of 55), wherein the ophthalmic composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for ocular implant. 57) The method of 55), wherein the composition is administered 2 to 4 times daily. 58) The method of 55), wherein the oligomer is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight 59) The method of 55), wherein the microbial infection is a bacterial infection. 60) The method of 59), wherein the bacterial infection is caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, Haemophilus, Serratia, Pseudomonas or Neisseria spp. 61) The method of 55), wherein the microbial infection is a fungal infection. 62) The method of 61), wherein the fungal infection is caused by Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. 63) The method of 55), wherein the microbial infection is a viral infection. 64) The method of 63), wherein the viral infection is caused by a herpes virus. 65) The method of 55), wherein the infection is selected from bacterial keratitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcer. 66) A method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I of 1) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 67) A method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II of 3) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 68) A method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV of 17) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 69) A method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V of 19) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 70) A method for treating or preventing a microbial infection in an eye of an animal by administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising employing an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula VI of 25) in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 71) The method of any one of 66) to 70), wherein the antimicrobial ophthalmic composition is administered topically to one or more tissues of the eye of the animal. 72) The method of 71), wherein the ophthalmic composition is in a form selected from a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, and a solid article suitable for ocular implant. 73) The method of 71), wherein the composition is administered 2 to 4 times daily. 74) The method of 71), wherein the oliogmer is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight. 75) The method of 71), wherein the microbial infection is a bacterial infection. 76) The method of 75), wherein the bacterial infection is caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, Haemophilus, Serratia, Pseudomonas or Neisseria spp. 77) The method of 71), wherein the microbial infection is a fungal infection. 78) The method of 77), wherein the fungal infection is caused by Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. 79) The method of 71), wherein the microbial infection is a viral infection. 80) The method of 79), wherein the viral infection is caused by a herpes virus. 81) The method of 71), wherein the infection is selected from bacterial keratitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcer. 82) Use of a compound of 1) in the preparation of a medicament for treating or preventing an ophthalmic and/or otic infection in an animal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides compositions of amphiphilic, antimicrobial polymers, and/or oligomers that can be used in the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic and otic infections in humans and animals. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions to treat or prevent ophthalmic and otic infections in humans and animals.

The antimicrobial polymers and oligomers useful in the present invention are polymers and oligomers of Formulae I, II, IV, V and VI:

R¹—[—X-A₁-Y—X-A2-Y—]_(m)—R²  (I)

R¹—[—X-A₁-X—Y-A2-Y—]_(m)—R²  (II)

R¹—[—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z]_(m)-R²  (IV)

R¹-[-A₁-W-A₂-W—]_(m)—R²  (V)

A-(B)_(n1)-(D)_(m1)-H  (VI)

or acceptable salts or solvates thereof, wherein R¹, R², A₁, A₂, A, B, D, X, Y, Z, W, m, m1, and n1 are as defined below.

The polymers and oligomers useful in the present invention are capable of adopting amphiphilic conformations that allow for the segregation of polar and nonpolar regions of the molecule into different spatial regions. This separation of charge, or facial amphiphilicity, forms the basis for the anti-microbial activity observed for these polymers and oligomers, making them useful as anti-microbial agents. Use of the polymers and oligomers of Formulae I, II, and IV generally as anti-microbial agents is described in US Published Patent Appl. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,102. Use of the polymers and oligomers of Formula V generally as anti-microbial agents is described in US Published Patent Appl. Nos. US 2004-0202639 A1 and US 2005-0287108 A1. Use of the random copolymers of Formula VI generally as anti-microbial agents is described in US Published Patent Appl. No. US 2006-0024264 A1.

The polymers and oligomers employed in the present invention were originally designed to mimic the antimicrobial activities of host defense peptides, which were potentially exciting therapeutic agents because of their broad spectrum of activity, rapid bacteriocidal activity, and very low incidence of development of bacterial resistance, but which presented a number of significant pharmaceutical issues, including systemic toxicity and difficulty and expense of manufacturing, that severely hampered clinical progress in their use as therapeutics.

Many of the oligomers of Formulae I, II, and IV are significantly smaller and easier to prepare than their naturally occurring counterparts. They have the same mechanism of action as magainin (a naturally occurring host defense peptide) and are approximately equipotent and as broad in their spectrum of action as magainin. However, the non-peptidic polymers and oligomers of the present invention are significantly less toxic towards human erythrocytes, much less expensive to prepare, and are expected to be much more stable in vivo.

The present invention discloses ophthalmic and otic compositions comprising anti-microbial, facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers. Polymers are generally defined as synthetic compounds assembled from monomer subunits that are polydisperse in molecular weight, and are most commonly prepared by one-pot synthetic procedures. The term “polymer” as used herein refers to a macromolecule comprising a plurality of repeating units or monomers. The term includes homopolymers, which are formed from a single type of monomer, and copolymers, which are formed from two or more different monomers. In copolymers, the monomers may be distributed randomly (random copolymer), in alternating fashion (alternating copolymers), or in blocks (block copolymer). The polymers of the present invention are either homopolymers or alternating copolymers having about 2 monomer units to about 500 monomer units, with average molecular weights that range from about 300 Daltons to about 1,000,000 Daltons, or from about 400 Daltons to about 120,000 Daltons. Preferred polymers are those having about 5 to about 100 monomer units, with average molecular weights that range from about 1,000 Daltons to about 25,000 Daltons.

The term “oligomer” as used herein refers to a homogenous polymer with a defined sequence and molecular weight. Modern methods of solid phase organic chemistry have allowed the synthesis of homodisperse, sequence-specific oligomers with molecular weights approaching 5,000 Daltons. An oligomer, in contrast to a polymer, has a defined sequence and molecular weight and is usually synthesized either by solid phase techniques or by step-wise solution chemistry and purified to homogeneity. Oligomers of the present invention are those having about 2 monomer units to about 25 monomer units, with molecular weights that range from about 300 Daltons to about 6,000 Daltons. Preferred oligomers are those having about 2 monomer units to about 10 monomer units, with molecular weights that range from about 300 Daltons to about 2,500 Daltons.

For the ophthalmic and otic compositions described herein, oligomers are the preferred species because of their defined size and structure.

The term “polymer backbone,” “oligomer backbone,” or “backbone” as used herein refers to that portion of the polymer or oligomer which is a continuous chain comprising the bonds formed between monomers upon polymerization. The composition of the polymer or oligomer backbone can be described in terms of the identity of the monomers from which it is formed without regard to the composition of branches, or side chains, of the polymer or oligomer backbone.

The term “polymer side chain,” “oligomer side chain,” or “side chain” refers to portions of the monomer which, following polymerization, forms an extension of the polymer or oligomer backbone. In homopolymers and homooligomers, all the side chains are derived from the same monomer.

The term “amphiphilic” as used herein describes a three-dimensional structure having discrete hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. An amphiphilic polymer requires the presence of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements along the polymer backbone. The presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition to produce an amphiphilic molecule, polymer, or oligomer.

The term “facially amphiphilic” or “facial amphiphilicity” as used herein describes polymers or oligomers with polar (hydrophilic) and nonpolar (hydrophobic) side chains that adopt conformation(s) leading to segregation of polar and nonpolar side chains to opposite faces or separate regions of the structure or molecule.

The phrase “groups with chemically nonequivalent termini” refers to functional groups such as esters amides, sulfonamides, and N-hydroxyoximes where reversing the orientation of the substituents, for example, R¹C(═O)OR² versus R¹O(O═)CR², produces unique chemical entities.

The present invention is directed to antimicrobial ophthalmic and otic compositions comprising one or more of the polymers or oligomers disclosed herein, as defined below, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.

Thus, in some aspects of the present invention, the ophthalmic or otic composition comprises a polymer or oligomer of Formula I:

R¹—[—X-A₁-Y—X-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (I)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, O, or S;

Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

A₁ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene and A₂ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

A₂ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, and A₁ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar

(NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

(i) hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group, and R² is —X-A₁-Y—R¹¹, wherein R¹¹ is hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group; or

(ii) R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar

(NPL) group; or

(iii) R¹ and R² together are a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR³)_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl, wherein p is 1 to 4;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are independently 0, 1 or 2; and

m is 1 to about 500;

and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Patent Application Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 discloses antimicrobial polymers and oligomers of Formula I that can be used in the compositions of the present invention.

For example, oligomers of Formula I preferred for use in the ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention are those wherein m is 1 to about 25, 1 to about 20, 1 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 6, 2 to 5, or 4 or 5.

Preferred oligomers of Formula I are also those wherein X is NR⁸, O, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, and R⁸ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl. Especially preferred are those polymers and oligomers wherein X is NR⁸ and Y is C═O. For example, oligomers of Formula I wherein X is NH and Y is C═O are especially preferred.

Also preferred are those oligomers of Formula I wherein A₁ or A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene. Those oligomers wherein A₁ or A₂ are optionally substituted m-phenylene are especially preferred.

Preferred oligomers of Formula I are also those wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted arylene and the other of A₁ and A₂ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 or 2, wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two non-polar (NPL) group(s).

Preferred are oligomers of Formula I wherein (i) R¹ is hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group, and R² is —X-A¹-Y—R¹, wherein R¹¹ is hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group. Especially preferred are oligomers of Formula I wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R² is —X-A₁-Y—R¹¹, and R¹¹ is a polar (PL) group, for example, amino.

In some embodiments, preferred oligomers of Formula I are those wherein R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group. Especially preferred are oligomers of Formula I wherein R¹ is hydrogen, and R² is a polar group, for example, amino.

In other aspects of the invention, preferred oligomers of Formula I are those wherein NPL is —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), and R³, R^(3′), R^(3″), R^(4′), U^(NPL), pNPL, q1NPL, and q2NPL are as defined above. Especially preferred are those oligomers of Formula I wherein q1NPL and q2NPL are 0, so that NPL is —U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—R^(4′).

Preferred values for each of R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″).

Preferred values of R^(4′) are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, especially phenyl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more C₁-C₆ alkyl or halo groups. Especially preferred values of R^(4′) are C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl. Suitable C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and isopentyl.

Preferred values of U^(NPL) are NH, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)O—, O, and S. Especially preferred values are NH, —C(═O)—, O, and S, or NH, O, and S. Especially preferred oligomers of Formula I also are those wherein U^(NPL) is absent.

Preferred values of pNPL are 0 to 6; values of pNPL of 0 to 4 are especially preferred, with values of pNPL of 0 to 2 most preferred.

Preferred values of q1NPL and q2NPL are 0 or 1. Values of q1NPL and q2NPL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being the most preferred for each of q1NPL and q2NPL.

In preferred ophthalmic and otic compositions, oligomers of Formula I wherein the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain in NPL is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more alkyl groups are preferred. More preferred are those oligomers of Formula I wherein the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain in NPL is unsubstituted.

An especially preferred value of NPL for the polymers and oligomers of Formula I is C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl C₁-C₆ alkyl. Examples of preferred values for NPL are n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and benzyl.

In some embodiments of the invention, preferred oligomers of Formula I are those wherein PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR³)_(q2PL)—V, and R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), pPL, q1PL, and q2PL are as defined above. Especially preferred are those oligomers of Formula I wherein q1PL and q2PL are 0, so that PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V.

Preferred values for R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for each of R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″).

Preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, NH, —C(═O)O—, and —C(═O). Especially preferred values are NH, —C(═O)—, O, and S, or NH, O, and S. Preferred oligomers of Formula I are also those wherein U^(PL) is absent.

Preferred values of V are amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, and semicarbazone, preferably any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl.

Especially preferred values of V are amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino. Values of V that are most preferred are amino and guanidino.

Preferred values of pPL are 0 to 6, with values of pPL of 2 to 5 especially preferred.

Preferred values of q1PL and q2PL are 0 or 1. Values of q1PL and q2PL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being especially preferred for each of q1PL and q2PL.

In preferred ophthalmic compositions, oligomers of Formula I wherein the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain in PL is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups are preferred.

Thus, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise an oligomer of Formula I, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, Y is C═O, and R⁸ is hydrogen;

A₁ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₂ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two non-polar (NPL) group(s); or

A₂ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₁ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group;

NPL is —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(PL)(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R^(4′) is selected from C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₆-C₁₀ aryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from NH, —C(═O)—, O, and S;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are 0;

PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NH, and —C(═O);

V is selected from amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are 0; and

m is 4 or 5;

and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise an oligomer of Formula I, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, Y is C═O, and R⁸ is hydrogen;

A₁ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₂ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 or 2, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one polar (PL) group, and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one non-polar (NPL) group; or

A₂ is optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene and A₁ is —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 or 2, and wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one polar (PL) group, and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one non-polar (NPL) group;

R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen or amino;

NPL is —U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—R⁴, wherein:

R^(4′) is selected from C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from NH, —C(═O)—, O, and S;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is unsubstituted;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are 0;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NH, and —C(═O);

V is selected from amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino groups;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are 0; and

m is 4 or 5;

and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

In other aspects of the present invention, the ophthalmic or otic composition comprises a polymer or oligomer of Formula II:

R¹—[—X-A₁-X—Y-A2-Y−]_(m)—R²  (II)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR³, O, S, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, —N(R⁸)—(N═N)—, —(N═N)—N(R⁸)—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))NR⁸—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))O—, or —C(R⁷R^(7′))S—; and

Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —C(═O)C(═O)—, C(R⁶R^(6′))C═O or C(R⁶R^(6′))C═S; or

X and Y are taken together to be pyromellitic diimide;

wherein

R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

R⁷ and R^(7′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or

R⁷ and R^(7′) together are —(CH₂)_(p)—, wherein p is 4 to 8; and

R⁶ and R^(6′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or

R⁶ and R^(6′) together are (CH₂)₂NR¹²(CH₂)₂, wherein R¹² is hydrogen, —C(═N)CH₃ or C(═NH)—NH₂;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or         -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group             (NPL), and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or             heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with one or more             polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s),             or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one             or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);     -   (iii) —Y-A₂-Y—R², and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (iv) —Y-A′ and R² is —X-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and         is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s),         one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (v) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (vi) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino, or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR⁵)_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N— and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from the group consisting of nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and

m is 1 to about 500; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Patent Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 discloses antimicrobial polymers and oligomers of Formula II that can be used in the compositions of the present invention. For example, oligomers of Formula II that are preferred for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention are those wherein m is 1 to about 25, 1 to about 20, 1 to about 10, 1 to about 5, or 1, 2, or 3.

Thus, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention also comprise an oligomer of Formula IIa:

R¹—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—X-A₁-X—R²  (IIa)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, O, S, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—; and Y is C═O, C═S, or O═S═O; wherein R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL); and R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino, or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

Preferred oligomers of Formula IIa for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention are those wherein X is NR⁸ and Y is C═O. For example, oligomers of Formula IIa wherein X is NH and Y is C═O are especially preferred.

Preferred also are those oligomers of Formula IIa wherein A₁ and A₂ are independently optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene. Those oligomers wherein A₁ and

A₂ are optionally substituted m-phenylene are especially preferred.

Also preferred are those oligomers of Formula IIa wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is o-, m-, or p-phenylene, and the other of A₁ and A₂ is o-, m-, or p-heteroarylene. Preferred heteroarylene groups include, but are not limited to, pyridinylene, pyrimidinylene, and pyrazinylene. An especially preferred heteroarylene group is pyrimidinylene, in particular, m-pyrimidinylene.

Also preferred are oligomers of Formula IIa wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, and (i) one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more nonpolar (NPL) group(s) and the other of A₁ and A₂ is unsubstituted; or (ii) one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more nonpolar (NPL) group(s) and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s). Especially preferred are oligomers in which either (i) one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one polar (PL) group and one nonpolar (NPL) group, and the other of A₁ and A₂ is unsubstituted, or (ii) one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one polar (PL) group and one nonpolar (NPL) group and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s), as defined above.

Preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are also those wherein R¹ is hydrogen or a polar group (PL). Especially preferred oligomers are those wherein R¹ is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), and pPL are as defined above, and q1PL and q2PL are each 0, so that especially preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are those wherein R¹ is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V. Preferred R¹ polar groups are those wherein U^(PL) is absent or is O, S, NH, —C(═O)O—, or —C(═O); pPL is 0 to 6, especially 1 to 4; and V is amino, aminoalkyl, amidino, guanidino, aryl, or heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more amino, guanidino, amidino, or halo groups.

Preferred values for each of R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″).

Preferred values of R^(4′) are hydrogen and alkyl optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups. More preferred values of R^(4′) are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₆-C₁₀ aryl, especially phenyl. Especially preferred values of R^(4′) are C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl. Suitable C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and n-pentyl.

Preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are those wherein U^(NPL) is absent. In other embodiments, preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are those wherein U^(NPL) is O, S, NH, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)O—, —R³S—, or —R³⁰—. Especially preferred values of U^(NPL) are O, —C(═O)—, and —C(═O)O—.

Preferred values of pNPL are 0 to 6; values of pNPL of 0 to 4 are especially preferred, with values of pNPL of 0, 1 or 2 most preferred.

Preferred values of q1NPL and q2NPL are 0 or 1. Values of q1NPL and q2NPL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being the most preferred for each of q1NPL and q2NPL.

In preferred oligomers of Formula IIa, the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain in NPL is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more alkyl groups.

An especially preferred value of NPL for oligomers of Formula II is C₁-C₆ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups. Examples of preferred values for NPL are n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and trifluoromethyl.

Preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are those wherein PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR⁵)_(q2PL)—V, and R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), pPL, q1PL and q2PL are as defined above.

Preferred values for R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for each of R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″).

Preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NH—, —C(═O)—NH—N═N—, —N═N—NH—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —R⁵S—, and —R⁵⁰—, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen. Especially preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, NH, —C(═O)O—, and —C(═O). Preferred oligomers of Formula IIa are also those wherein U^(PL) is absent.

Preferred values of V are nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyridyl, and 2-aminopyridyl. Suitable heterocycle groups include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, and morpholinyl.

Values of V that are more preferred are amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino, preferably any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanyl, guanidino, or aminoalkoxy. Values of V that are most preferred are amino and guanidino. Preferred values of pPL are 0 to 6; values of pPL of 0 to 4 are especially preferred, with values of pPL of 2 to 4 especially preferred.

Preferred values of q1PL and q2PL are 0 or 1. Values of q1PL and q2PL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being especially preferred for each of q1PL and q2PL.

In preferred polymers and oligomers of Formula IIa, the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain in PL is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups.

Thus, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise an oligomer of Formula IIa, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, and Y is C═O; wherein R⁸ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)alkyl;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted phenylene or optionally substituted pyrimidinylene, wherein A₁ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), and A₂ is substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s) or is unsubstituted;

R¹ is a polar group (PL); and R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen and alkyl optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR³, and —C(═O)—;

pNPL is 0 to 6;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0;

PL is a polar group —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR⁵, and —C(═O)—;

V is selected from amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, and lower acylamino;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

In some embodiments, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention comprise an oligomer of Formula IIa, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group, and A₂ is unsubstituted pyrimidinylene or pyrimidinylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6;

and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

Examples of oligomers of Formula IIa for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention include

and ophthalmically or otically acceptable salts thereof.

In other embodiments, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise an oligomer of Formula IIa, or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group, and A₂ is unsubstituted phenylene or phenylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s);

NPL is R^(4′), wherein R^(4′) is (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo groups;

PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is O or S;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino; and

pPL is 0 to 6; and

an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

In some of these embodiments, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise oligomers of Formula IIa wherein A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group, and A₂ is phenylene substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s). Oligomers of Formula IIa falling within the scope of these embodiments include to following:

and ophthalmically or otically acceptable salts thereof.

In other embodiments, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise oligomers wherein A₁ is phenylene substituted with one (PL) group and one non-polar (NPL) group, and A₂ is unsubstituted phenylene. Oligomers falling within the scope of these embodiments include the following:

and ophthalmically or otically acceptable salts thereof.

In other aspects, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention comprise a polymer or oligomer of Formula IV:

R¹—[—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z]_(m)—R²  (IV)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O; Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O; and R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ and A₂ are as defined         above, and each of which is optionally substituted with one or         more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s),         or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or         more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (iv) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A′-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above,         A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A₁ and A′ is optionally         substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar         (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (v) -Z-Y-A′ and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a         non-polar group (NPL), wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (vi) -Z-Y-A′, and R² is —X-A″, wherein A′ and A″ are,         independently, aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A′ and A″ is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (vii) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a         non-polar group (NPL); or     -   (viii) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino, or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and

m is 1 to about 500;

and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Application Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 discloses antimicrobial polymers and oligomers of Formula IV that can be used in the compositions of the present invention.

For example, oligomers that are preferred for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention are those oligomers of Formula IV wherein m is 1 to about 25, 1 to about 20, 1 to about 10, 1 to about 5, or 1, 2, or 3.

Thus, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise an oligomer of Formula IV having Formula IVa, Formula IVb, or Formula IVc:

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVa)

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X—R²  (IVb)

R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVc)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O; Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O; and R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl;

Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—;

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Application Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 discloses antimicrobial polymers and oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb, and IVc that can be used in the compositions of the present invention.

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc wherein X and Y are, independently, NR⁸, C═O, or O; Z is C═O or —NR⁸NR⁸; and R⁸ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl. Especially preferred for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions are those oligomers wherein X and Y are each NR⁸, Z is C═O, and R⁸ is hydrogen. Also preferred are oligomers wherein X and Y are each C═O, and Z is —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, especially wherein R⁸ is hydrogen.

Also preferred for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions are those oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc wherein A₁ and A₂ are independently optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene. Those oligomers wherein A₁ and A₂ are optionally substituted m-phenylene are especially preferred. Also preferred are polymers and oligomers of Formula IV wherein one of A₁ and A₂ is o-, m-, or p-phenylene, and the other of A₁ and A₂ is heteroarylene. Preferred heteroarylene groups include, but are not limited to, pyridinylene, pyrimidinylene, and pyrazinylene.

Also preferred are oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, and (i) each of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s) and one or two nonpolar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) one of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s) and the other of A₁ and A₂ is substituted with one or two nonpolar (NPL) group(s).

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc are those wherein R¹ is hydrogen or a polar group (PL). Especially preferred oligomers are those wherein R¹ is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), and pPL are as defined above, and q1PL and q2PL are each 0, so that especially preferred oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc are those wherein R¹ is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V. Preferred R¹ polar groups are those wherein U^(PL) is absent or is O, S, NH, —C(═O)O—, or —C(═O); pPL is 0 to 6, especially 1 to 4; and V is amino, aminoalkyl, amidino, guanidino, aryl, or heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more amino, guanidino, amidino, or halo groups.

Preferred values for each of R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″).

Preferred values of R^(4′) are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₆-C₁₀ aryl, especially phenyl. Especially preferred values of R^(4′) are C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl. Suitable C₁-C₁₀ alkyl and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and n-pentyl.

Preferred values of U^(NPL) are O, S, NH, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)O—, —R³S— and —R³O—. Preferred oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc are also those wherein U^(NPL) is absent.

Preferred values of pNPL are 0 to 6; values of pNPL of 0 to 4 are especially preferred, with values of pNPL of 0, 1, or 2 most preferred.

Preferred values of q1NPL and q2NPL are 0 or 1. Values of q1NPL and q2NPL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being the most preferred for each of q1NPL and q2NPL.

In preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions, in the oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc, the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain in NPL is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more alkyl groups. More preferred are those oligomers wherein the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain in NPL is unsubstituted.

An especially preferred value of NPL for polymers and oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc is C₁-C₆ alkyl. Examples of preferred values for NPL are n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and tert-butyl.

Preferred oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb and IVc for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions are also those wherein PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, and R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), pPL, q1PL, and q2PL are as defined above.

Preferred values for R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for each of R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″).

Preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, NH, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)O—, —R⁵S—, and —R⁵⁰—, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl. Especially preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, and —C(═O).

Preferred values of V are nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, preferably any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyridyl, and 2-aminopyridyl. Suitable heterocycle groups include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, and morpholinyl.

Especially preferred values of V are amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, and guanidino, preferably any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanyl, guanidino, or aminoalkoxy. Values of V that are most preferred are amino and guanidino. Preferred values of pPL are 0 to 6; values of pPL of 0 to 4 are especially preferred, with values of pPL of 2 to 4 especially preferred.

Preferred values of q1PL and q2PL are 0 or 1. Values of q1PL and q2PL of 0 or 1 are especially preferred, with a value of 0 being especially preferred for each of q1PL and q2PL.

In the preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions of the invention, in the oligomers of Formulae IVa, IVb, and IVc, the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain in PL is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups.

Examples of oligomers of Formulae I, II, IIa, IV, IVa, IVb, and IVc that can be used in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the individual oligomers disclosed in US Application Publ. No. 2006-0041023 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,102.

In some aspects, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention comprise a polymer or oligomer of Formula V:

R¹—[-A₁-W-A₂-W—]_(m)—R²  (V)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein:

-   -   (i) A₁ and A₂ are independently optionally substituted with one         or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s)         and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally         substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar         (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the         other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0         to 8, and the

—(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups;

W is absent, or represents —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C—;

R¹ is

-   -   (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is -A₁-R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is         optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one         or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or         more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s); or     -   (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL),         and R² is -A₁-W-A₂-R¹, wherein each of A₁ and A₂ is as defined         above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL)         group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination         of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar         (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iii) A′-W— and R² is -A₁-W-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or         heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one         or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s)         and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (iv) A′-W— and R² is -A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl,         either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar         (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) groups(s), or a         combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (v) R¹ and R² together form a single bond;

NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴, wherein:

R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8;

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to 2; and

m is 1 to at least about 500;

with the proviso that if A₁ and A₂ are thiophene, the polar groups cannot be 3-(propionic acid) or methoxy(diethoxy)ethyl and the nonpolar group cannot be n-dodecyl; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Appl. Publ. No. US 2005-0287108 A1 discloses antimicrobial polymers and oligomers of Formula V that can be used in the compositions of the present invention.

For example, oligomers that are preferred for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention are those oligomers of Formula V wherein m is 1 to about 25, 1 to about 20, 1 to about 10, 1 to about 7, 1 to about 5, or 1, 2, or 3.

Thus, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions of the invention also comprise oligomers of Formula Va:

R¹-A₁-W-A₂-W-A₁-R²  (Va)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein:

-   -   (i) A₁ and A₂ are independently optionally substituted with one         or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL)         group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s)         and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or     -   (ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally         substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more         non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar         (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the         other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0         to 8, and the —(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally         substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups;

W is —C≡C—;

R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), a non-polar group (NPL), or —W-A′,

wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s);

R² is R¹;

NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴, wherein R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups;

U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³—O—, —R³—S—, —S—C═N— and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino, or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pNPL is 0 to 8;

q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2;

PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy;

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations;

V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl;

the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to 2; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions are those oligomers of Formula Va wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted o-, m-, or p-phenylene, with m-phenylene being especially preferred. Also preferred are oligomers of Formula Va wherein one of A₁ or A₂ is o-, m-, or p-phenylene, and the other of A₁ or A₂ is heteroarylene. Preferred heteroarylene groups include, but are not limited to, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrazinyl.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va are also those wherein A₁ is substituted with one or two polar (PL) group(s) and A₂ is unsubstituted. Especially preferred are those oligomers wherein A₁ is substituted with one polar (PL) group and A₂ is unsubstituted.

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise oligomers of Formula Va wherein R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL); and R² is R¹. More preferred are oligomers of Formula Va wherein R¹ is selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl, and benzyloxycarbonyl. Oligomers of Formula Va wherein R¹ and R² are halo are especially preferred.

Preferred R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) groups include hydrogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. Especially preferred are those oligomers of Formula Va wherein R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are each hydrogen.

Preferred R⁴ groups include hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, or C₆-C₁₀ aryl, especially phenyl. Oligomers wherein R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and C₃-C₁₈ branched alkyl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more C₁-C₄ alkyl or halo groups, are especially preferred.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va are also those wherein U^(NPL) is O, S, NH, —(C═O)—, —C(═O)O—, —R³⁰—, or —R³S—. Oligomers of Formula Va wherein U^(NPL) is O, S, or —(C═O)— are especially preferred. Oligomers of Formula Va wherein U^(NPL) is absent are also preferred.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va also include those oligomers wherein the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl groups. Especially preferred are those oligomers in which the alkylene chain is unsubstituted. Also preferred are those oligomers of Formula Va wherein pNPL is 0 to 8, or 1 to 6, or, more preferably, 2 to 4.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va are those wherein q1NPL and q2NPL are independently 0 or 1.

In some embodiments, preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise oligomers wherein NPL is n-pentoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, propyloxy, ethyloxy, methoxy, or phenoxy.

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise oligomers of Formula Va wherein one or more PL are halo, especially bromo or iodo.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions include those wherein PL is —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, and R⁵, R^(5′), R^(5″), V, U^(PL), and pPL, and q1PL and q2PL are as defined above.

Preferred values for R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ alkoxy. Hydrogen is an especially preferred value for each of R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″).

Preferred values of U^(PL) are O, S, NH, —(C═O)—, —C(═O)O—, —R⁵⁰—, and —R⁵S—. Also preferred are oligomers of Formula Va wherein U^(PL) is absent.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va also are those wherein q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 or 1.

Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions also comprise oligomers of Formula Va wherein V is nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, heterocycle, or heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanyl, guanidine, or aminoalkoxy. Suitable heteroaryl groups include indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyridyl, and 2-aminopyridyl. Suitable heterocycle groups include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, and morpholinyl.

Especially preferred values of V include amino, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, and guanyl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanyl, guanidine, or aminoalkoxy.

Especially preferred oligomers of Formula Va for use in the preferred ophthalmic compositions are those wherein PL is halo, guanidinomethyl, guanidinoethyl, guanidinopropyl, aminomethyl, aminoethyl, aminopropyl, aminoethylaminocarbonyl, or aminomethylaminocarbonyl.

Preferred oligomers of Formula Va are also those wherein pPL is 0 to 4. Especially preferred are those oligomers wherein pPL is 0 to 2.

Thus, in some embodiments, especially preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention comprise an oligomer of Formula Va wherein:

A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted m-phenylene, wherein A₁ is optionally substituted with two polar (PL) groups, and A₂ is unsubstituted;

R¹ is a polar group;

PL is —(NR⁵)_(qPL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein:

U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, NR⁵, and —C(═O)—;

V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, and lower acylamino;

pPL is 0 to 8; and

q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0; and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.

Especially preferred are oligomers of Formula Va wherein R¹ is halo, and PL is —U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—V, wherein U^(PL) is absent; V is selected from amino, amidino, and guanidino, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino or halo; and pPL is 0 to 6.

Exemplary structures of oligomers of Formula Va within the scope of the invention include the following, as well as those individual oligomers disclosed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2005-0287108, the contents of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

and ophthalmically or otically acceptable salts thereof.

In some aspects, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention comprise a random copolymer of Formula VI:

A-(B)_(n1)-(D)_(m1)-H  (VI)

or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

A is the residue of a chain transfer agent;

B is —[CH₂—C(R¹¹)(B₁₁)]— wherein B₁₁ is —X₁₁—Y₁₁-Z₁₁, wherein

X₁₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₁₁ is absent;

Y₁₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or Y₁₁ is absent;

Z₁₁ is -Z_(11A)-Z_(11B), wherein Z_(11A) is alkylene, arylene, or heteroarylene, any of which is optionally substituted; or Z_(11A) is absent; and Z_(11B) is -guanidino, -amidino, —N(R³)(R⁴), or —N⁺(R³)(R⁴)(R⁵), wherein R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or aralkyl; or

Z₁₁ is pyridinium

or phosphonium

wherein

R⁸¹, R⁹¹¹, R⁹²¹, and R⁹³¹ are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl;

R¹¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

D is —[CH₂—C(R²¹)(D₂₁)]-, wherein D₂₁ is —X₂₁—Y₂₁-Z₂₁, wherein

X₂₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₂₁ is absent;

Y₂₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, or Y₂₁ is absent;

Z₂₁ is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which is optionally substituted;

R²¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

m₁, the mole fraction of D monomer, is about 0.1 to about 0.9; and

n₁, the mole fraction of B monomer, is 1-m₁;

wherein the copolymer is a random copolymer of B and D monomers, and

wherein the copolymer has a degree of polymerization of about 5 to about 50; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

US Application Publ. No. US 2006/0024264 Al discloses random antimicrobial copolymers of Formula VI that can be used in the compositions of the present invention. Preferred ophthalmic or otic compositions comprise a random copolymer of Formula VI wherein:

A is C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkylthio;

X₁₁ and X₂₁ are carbonyl;

Y₁₁ and Y₂₁ are O;

Z₁₁ is -Z_(11A)-Z_(11B), wherein Z_(11A) is C₁₋₆ alkylene optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl; and Z_(11B) is —N(R³¹)(R⁴¹) or —N(R³¹)(R⁴¹)(R⁵¹), wherein R³¹, R⁴¹, and R⁵¹ are, independently, hydrogen C₁₋₄ alkyl;

Z₂₁ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ aryl, or C₁₆ ar(C₁₋₄)alkyl;

R¹¹ and R²¹ are independently hydrogen or methyl;

m₁ is about 0.35 to about 0.60; and

wherein the copolymer has a degree of polymerization of about 5 to about 10; and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

When any variable occurs more than one time in any constituent or in any of the polymers or oligomers recited for any of the general Formulae above (for example, in Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI), its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

It is understood that the present invention encompasses the use of stereoisomers, diastereomers and optical isomers of the polymers and oligomers disclosed herein, as well as mixtures thereof, for use in the ophthalmic or otic compositions and methods of the present invention. Additionally, it is understood that stereoisomers, diastereomers and optical isomers of the disclosed polymers and oligomers, and mixtures thereof, are within the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, the mixture can be a racemate or the mixture may comprise unequal proportions of one particular stereoisomer over the other. Thus, in some aspects of the invention, the disclosed polymers and oligomers are provided as mixtures that are racemates. Additionally, the polymers and oligomers can be provided as a substantially pure stereoisomers, diastereomers and optical isomers. Thus, in some aspects of the invention, the polymers and oligomers in the compositions of the invention are provided as substantially pure stereoisomers, diastereomers, or optical isomers.

In other aspects of the present invention, the polymers and oligomers in the ophthalmic or otic compositions are provided in the form of an acceptable salt (for example, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) for treating microbial infections. Polymer or oligomer salts can be provided for pharmaceutical use, or as an intermediate in preparing the pharmaceutically desired form of the polymer or oligomer. One polymer or oligomer salt that is considered to be acceptable is the hydrochloride acid addition salt. Since one or more of the disclosed polymers and oligomers may be polyionic, such as a polyamine, the acceptable polymer or oligomer salt can be provided in the form of a poly(amine hydrochloride). Examples of other acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, those having sodium, potassium, or ammonium cations, and/or those having chloride, citrate, ascorbate, borate, phosphate, bicarbonate, sulfate, thiosulfate, bisulfite, mesylate, esylate, napsydisylate, tosylate, besylate, orthophoshate, acetate, gluconate, glutamate, lactate, malonate, fumarate, tartrate, maleate, or trifluoroacetate anions. In some embodiments, acceptable salts are those having mesylate, chloride, sulfate, esylate, napsydisylate, tosylate, besylate, phosphate, orthophoshate, acetate, gluconate, glutamate, lactate, malonate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, maleate, or trifluoroacetate anions. In other embodiments, acceptable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium thiosulfate, sodium bisulfite, and ammonium sulfate.

In some aspects of the invention, the disclosed polymers and oligomers (such as the polymers and/or oligomers of Formulae I, II, IIa, IV, IVa, IVb, IVc, V, Va, and VI) are derivatives referred to as prodrugs. The expression “prodrug” denotes a derivative of a known direct acting drug, which derivative has enhanced delivery characteristics and therapeutic value as compared to the drug, and is transformed into the active drug by an enzymatic or chemical process.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms below have the following meanings.

The term “alkyl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to both straight and branched chain radicals from 1 to 12 carbons, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, 4,4-dimethylpentyl, octyl, 2,2,4-trimethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, and dodecyl.

The term “alkenyl” as used herein refers to a straight or branched chain radical of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including, but not limited to, ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and the like. Preferably, the alkenyl chain is 2 to 10 carbon atoms in length, more preferably, 2 to 8 carbon atoms in length most preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in length.

The term “alkynyl” as used herein refers to a straight or branched chain radical of 2 to 20 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, wherein there is at least one triple bond between two of the carbon atoms in the chain, including, but not limited to, acetylene, 1-propylene, 2-propylene, and the like. Preferably, the alkynyl chain is 2 to 10 carbon atoms in length, more preferably, 2 to 8 carbon atoms in length, most preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in length.

The term “alkylene” as used herein refers to an alkyl linking group, for example, an alkyl group that links one group to another group in a molecule.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein refers to mean a straight or branched chain radical of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, bonded to an oxygen atom, including, but not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, and the like. Preferably the alkoxy chain is 1 to 10 carbon atoms in length, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms in length, and even more preferred 1 to 6 carbon atoms in length.

The term “aryl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic groups containing from 6 to 12 carbons in the ring portion, preferably 6 to 10 carbons in the ring portion, such as the carbocyclic groups phenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl. The term “aryl” can represent carbocyclic aryl groups, such as phenyl, naphthyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, as well as heterocyclic aryl (“heteroaryl”) groups, such as pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, furyl, and pyranyl.

The term “arylene” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to an aryl linking group, for example, an aryl group that links one group to another group in a molecule.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to cycloalkyl groups containing 3 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably, 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Typical examples are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, and cyclononyl.

The term “halogen” or “halo” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine.

The term “hydroxy” or “hydroxyl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to an —OH group.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein refers to groups having 5 to 14 ring atoms; 6, 10, or 14 π-electrons shared in a cyclic array; and containing carbon atoms and 1, 2, or 3 oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur heteroatoms. Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, thienyl, imadizolyl, oxadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, furyl, pyranyl, thianthrenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzoxazolyl, xanthenyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinazolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, and phenoxazinyl groups. Especially preferred heteroaryl groups include 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 5-amino-1,2,4-triazole, imidazole, oxazole, isoxazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 3-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, pyridine, and 2-aminopyridine.

The term “heteroarylene” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to a heteroaryl linking group, such as, a heteroaryl group that links one group to another group in a molecule.

The term “heterocycle” or “heterocyclic ring”, as used herein except where noted, represents a stable 5- to 7-membered mono- or bicyclic or stable 7- to 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic ring system any ring of which may be saturated or unsaturated, and which consists of carbon atoms and from one to three heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. Especially useful are rings containing one oxygen or sulfur, one to three nitrogen atoms, or one oxygen or sulfur combined with one or two nitrogen atoms. The heterocyclic ring may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in the creation of a stable structure. Examples of such heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, pyrrolyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiazolyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, quinuclidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, thiadiazoyl, benzopyranyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, and oxadiazolyl. Morpholino is the same as morpholinyl.

The term “alkylamino” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to an amino group which is substituted with one alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The term “dialkylamino” as used herein by itself or as part of an other group refers to an amino group which is substituted with two alkyl groups, each having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

The term “alkylthio” as used herein by itself or as part of an other group refers to a thio group which is substituted with one alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

The term “lower acylamino” as used herein by itself or as part of an other group refers to an amino group substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkylcarbonyl group.

The term “chemically nonequivalent termini” as used herein refers to a functional group such as an ester, amide, sulfonamide, or N-hydroxyoxime that, when reversing the orientation of the functional group (for example, —(C═O)O—) produces different chemical entities (for example, —R¹C(═O)OR²— versus —R¹C(═O)R²—).

The polymers and oligomers employed in the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention (e.g., the polymers and/or oligomers of Formulae I, II, IIa, IV, IVa, IVb, IVc, V, Va, and VI) can be prepared as described in the following patents and patent publications: US Published Patent Appl. Nos. US 2006-0041023 A1, US 2004-0202639 A1, US 2005-0287108 A1, and US 2006-0024264 A1, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,102. For example, US Pat. Appl. Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1 discloses methods for the design, synthesis, and testing of polymers and oligomers of Formulae I, II, IIa, IV, IVa, IVb, and IVc. US Pat. Appl. Publ. No. US 2005/0287108 Al discloses methods for the design, synthesis, and testing of polymers and oligomers of Formula V and Formula Va.

Examples of the design, synthesis, and testing of arylamide oligomers, a subgroup of oligomers of Formula II and Formula IIa, are also presented in Tew et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, 99, 5110-5114 and in WIPO Publication No. WO 2004/082634.

The oligomers can be synthesized by solid-phase synthetic procedures well know to those of skill in the art. See, for example, Tew et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, 99, 5110-5114; Barany et al., Int. J. Pept. Prot. Res., 1987, 30, 705-739; Solid-phase Synthesis: A Practical Guide, Kates, S. A., and Albericio, F., eds., Marcel Dekker, New York (2000); and Dorwald, F. Z., Organic Synthesis on Solid Phase: Supports, Linkers, Reactions, 2nd Ed., Wiley-VCH, Weinheim (2002).

The ophthalmic or otic compositions can be tested for anti-microbial activity by methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, anti-microbial assays suitable for testing the antimicrobial activity of the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the invention are described, for example, US Pat. Appl. Publ. No. US 2006-0041023 A1; Tew et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, 99, 5110-5114; and Liu et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 2001, 123, 7553-7559.

Compositions

The ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention can take the form of a liquid or solid, including, e.g., but not limited to, a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a gel, an ointment, or a solid article that can be inserted in a suitable location in the eye.

In some embodiments, a composition of the present invention is in the form of a liquid wherein the active agent (i.e., one of the facially amphiphilic polymers or oligomers disclosed herein) is present in solution, in suspension, as an emulsion, or as a “solution/suspension.” The term “solution/suspension” as used herein refers to a liquid composition wherein a first portion of the active agent is present in solution and a second portion of the active agent is present in particulate form, in suspension in a liquid matrix. In some embodiments, the liquid composition is in the form of a gel. In other embodiments, the liquid composition is aqueous. In other embodiments, the composition is in the form of an ointment.

In yet other embodiments, the composition is in the form of a solid article. For example, in some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition is a solid article that can be inserted in a suitable location in the eye, such as between the eye and eyelid or in the conjunctival sac, where it releases the active agent as described, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,633; U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,519; U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,445; U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,150; U.S. Pat. No. 3,963,025; U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,184; U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,637; U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,505; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,079. Release from such an article is usually to the cornea, either via the lacrimal fluid that bathes the surface of the cornea, or directly to the cornea itself, with which the solid article is generally in intimate contact. Solid articles suitable for implantation in the eye in such fashion are generally composed primarily of polymers and can be bioerodible or non-bioerodible. Bioerodible polymers that can be used in the preparation of ocular implants carrying one or more of the anti-microbial, facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer active agents in accordance with the present invention include, but are not limited to, aliphatic polyesters such as polymers and copolymers of poly(glycolide), poly(lactide), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly-(hydroxybutyrate) and poly(hydroxyvalerate), polyamino acids, polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, aliphatic polycarbonates and polyether lactones. Suitable non-bioerodible polymers include silicone elastomers.

The present invention provides anti-microbial ophthalmic or otic compositions comprising a polymer of an oligomer of Formula I, Formula II, Formula IIa, Formula IV, Formula IVa, Formula IVb, Formula IVc, Formula V, Formula Va, or Formula VI and an ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipient.

The polymer or oligomer is typically present in the ophthalmic or otic composition in an “effective amount” or “effective concentration.” The terms “effective amount,” “effective concentration,” or “amount effective,” as used herein in reference to a polymer or oligomer in a composition of the present invention, refers to the amount of the polymer or oligomer sufficient to treat or prevent an ophthalmic infection in an eye of an animal, or to treat or prevent an otic infection in an ear of an animal.

The “effective amount” or concentration of the polymer or oligomer in the composition will vary and depends, among other factors, on the particular facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer (active agent) being administered (e.g., on the relative antimicrobial activity of the specific polymer or oligomer); the mode of administration; the residence time provided by the particular formulation of the polymer or oligomer; the species, age and body weight of the subject; the intended use of the composition (e.g., treatment of existing infections or prevention of post-surgical infections); the particular condition for which treatment or prophylaxis is sought; and the severity of the condition.

The activity of antimicrobials is generally expressed as the minimum concentration of a compound (active agent) required to inhibit the growth of a specified pathogen. This concentration is also referred to as the “minimum inhibitory concentration” or “MIC.” The term “MIC₉₀” refers to the minimum concentration of an antimicrobial active agent required to inhibit the growth of ninety percent (90%) of the tested isolates for one particular organism. The concentration of a compound required to totally kill a specified bacterial species is referred to as the “minimum bactericidal concentration” or “MCB.”

The “effective amount” or concentration of the polymer or oligomer in the compositions of the invention will generally be an amount sufficient to provide a concentration on or in the affected eye or ear tissue equal to or greater than the MIC₉₀ level for the selected polymer or oligomer, relative to the microbes commonly associated with the infection. Thus, the “effective amount” or concentration of the polymer or oligomer in the ophthalmic or otic composition will generally be the amount of the polymer or oligomer sufficient to provide a concentration on or in the eye or ear tissue(s) equal to or greater than the MIC₉₀ level for the polymer or oligomer, relative to microbes commonly associated with the ophthalmic or otic infection.

Thus, for example, in the ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention, an effective concentration of the antimicrobial polymer or oligomer in the composition will generally be from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight (i.e., wt %) of the composition. More typically, it will be about 0.05% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 8.0% by weight, about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight, about 1.0% to about 5.0% by weight, or about 2.0% to about 4.0% of the composition. For example, in ophthalmic compositions in the form of solid suspensions, such as ointments, an effective concentration of the antimicrobial polymer or oligomer will generally be from about 1% to about 5% by weight (wt %) of the composition.

The ophthalmic and otic compositions of the invention are preferably sterile and have physical properties (e.g., osmolality and pH) that are specially suited for application to ophthalmic or otic tissues, including tissues that have been compromised as the result of preexisting disease, trauma, surgery or other physical conditions. For example, aqueous compositions of the invention typically have a pH in the range of 4.5 to 8.0, more preferably, 6.0 to 8.0, or 6.5 to 8.0, or 7.0 to 8.0.

In addition to one or more of the polymers or oligomers disclosed herein, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the invention can also comprise one or more ophthalmically or otically acceptable excipients.

The term “ophthalmically acceptable” as used herein means having no persistent detrimental effect on the treated eye or the functioning thereof, or on the general health of the subject being treated. However, it will be recognized that transient effects such as minor irritation or a “stinging” sensation are common with topical ophthalmic administration of drugs and the existence of such transient effects is not inconsistent with the composition, formulation, or ingredient (e.g., excipient) in question being “ophthalmically acceptable” as herein defined. However, preferred ophthalmically acceptable compositions, formulations, and excipients are those that cause no substantial detrimental effect, even of a transient nature.

Similarly, the term “otically acceptable,” as used herein, means having no persistent detrimental effect on the treated ear or the functioning thereof, or on the general health of the subject being treated. Preferred otically acceptable compositions, formulations, and excipients are those that cause no substantial detrimental effect, even of a transient nature.

Ophthalmically and otically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, viscosity-enhancing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, suspending agents, solubilizing agents, buffering agents, lubricating agents, ophthalmically or otically acceptable salts, and combinations thereof.

For example, aqueous ophthalmic compositions of the present invention, when in suspension or solution form, are preferably viscous or mucoadhesive, or both viscous or mucoadhesive, and thus comprise a viscosity-enhancing agent. Examples of suitable viscosity-enhancing agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl-cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and/or various gelling agents. For example, in some embodiments, the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerol. Such agents are generally employed in the compositions of the invention at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 3% by weight.

Thus, for ophthalmic compositions of the present invention, in some embodiments, the ophthalmically acceptable excipient is a viscosity-enhancing agent or a promoter of mucoadhesion, such as carboxymethylcellulose. In such embodiments, the concentration of carboxymethylcellulose in the aqueous suspension or solution is 0.1% to 5% by weight or about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight. The carboxymethylcellulose is preferably in the form of sodium carboxymethylcellulose substituted to a degree that the sodium content of the sodium carboxymethylcellulose is about 1% to about 20%.

In other embodiments, the ophthalmic composition is an in situ gellable aqueous composition, more preferably, an in situ gellable aqueous solution. Such a composition comprises a gelling agent in a concentration effective to promote gelling upon contact with the eye or with lacrimal fluid in the exterior of the eye, enabling the composition to remain in the eye for a prolonged period without loss by lacrimal drainage. Suitable gelling agents non-restrictively include thermosetting polymers such as tetra-substituted ethylene diamine block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (e.g., poloxamine 1307); polycarbophil; and polysaccharides such as gellan, carrageenan (e.g., kappa-carrageenan and iota-carrageenan), chitosan and alginate gums.

The phrase “in situ gellable” as used herein is to be understood as embracing not only liquids of low viscosity that form gels upon contact with the eye or with lacrimal fluid in the exterior of the eye, but also more viscous liquids such as semi-fluid and thixotropic gels that exhibit substantially increased viscosity or gel stiffness upon administration to the eye.

For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the ophthalmic composition is an in situ gellable aqueous solution, suspension or solution/suspension, comprising about 0.1% to about 6.5%, preferably about 0.5% to about 4.5%, by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more lightly cross-linked carboxyl-containing polymers as gelling agents. A preferred gelling agent in this embodiment is polycarbophil. In other embodiments, the composition is an in situ gellable aqueous solution, suspension or solution/suspension, preferably a solution, comprising about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of a polysaccharide that gels when it contacts an aqueous medium having the ionic strength of lacrimal fluid. A preferred polysaccharide is gellan gum, more preferably a low acetyl clarified grade of gellan gum such as that sold under the trademark Gelrite®. Suitable partially deacylated gellan gums are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,927.

In yet other embodiments, the composition is an in situ gellable aqueous solution, suspension or solution/suspension, comprising about 0.2% to about 3%, preferably about 0.5% to about 1%, by weight of a gelling polysaccharide, preferably selected from gellan gum, alginate gum and chitosan, and about 1% to about 50% of a water-soluble film-forming polymer, preferably selected from alkylcelluloses (e.g., methylcellulose, ethylcellulose), hydroxyalkylcelluloses (e.g., hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), hyaluronic acid and salts thereof, chondroitin sulfate and salts thereof, polymers of acrylamide, acrylic acid and polycyanoacrylates, polymers of methyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polydextrose, cyclodextrins, polydextrin, maltodextrin, dextran, polydextrose, gelatin, collagen, natural gums (e.g., xanthan, locust bean, acacia, tragacanth and carrageenan gums and agar), polygalacturonic acid derivatives (e.g., pectin), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol. The composition can optionally contain a gel-promoting counterion such as calcium in latent form, for example encapsulated in gelatin.

In yet other embodiments, the composition is an in situ gellable aqueous solution, suspension or solution/suspension comprising about 0.1% to about 5% of a carrageenan gum, e.g., a carrageenan gum having no more than 2 sulfate groups per repeating disaccharide unit, such as e.g., kappa-carrageenan, having 18-25% ester sulfate by weight, iota-carrageenan, having 25-34% ester sulfate by weight, and mixtures thereof.

In still other embodiments, the composition comprises a bioerodible polymer substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,402.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises an ophthalmically acceptable mucoadhesive polymer, selected, for example, from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carbomer (acrylic acid polymer), poly(methylmethacrylate), polyacrylamide, polycarbophil, polyethylene oxide, acrylic acid/butyl acrylate copolymer, sodium alginate, and dextran.

Ophthalmic compositions of the invention preferably incorporate means to inhibit microbial growth, for example through preparation and packaging under sterile conditions and/or through inclusion of an antimicrobially effective amount of an ophthalmically acceptable preservative.

Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, mercury-containing substances such as phenylmercuric salts (e.g., phenylmercuric acetate, borate and nitrate) and thimerosal; stabilized chlorine dioxide; quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and cetylpyridinium chloride; imidazolidinyl urea; parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben, and salts thereof, phenoxyethanol; chlorophenoxyethanol; phenoxypropanol; chlorobutanol; chlorocresol; phenylethyl alcohol; disodium EDTA; and sorbic acid and salts thereof.

Several preservatives may precipitate in the presence of other excipients in the composition and/or in the presence of the polymers and oligomers in the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention. For example, benzalkonium chloride can precipitate in a composition using iota-carrageenan as a gelling agent. Thus, in those embodiments of the invention in which a preservative is present, the preservative is one that does not precipitate but remains in solution in the composition.

Optionally one or more stabilizers can be included in the compositions of the invention to enhance chemical stability where required. Suitable stabilizers include, but are not limited to, chelating agents or complexing agents, such as, for example, the calcium complexing agent ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). For example, an appropriate amount of EDTA or a salt thereof, e.g., the disodium salt, can be included in the composition to complex excess calcium ions and prevent gel formation during storage. EDTA or a salt thereof can suitably be included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5%. In those embodiments containing a preservative other than EDTA, the EDTA or a salt thereof, more particularly disodium EDTA, can be present in an amount of about 0.025% to about 0.1% by weight.

One or more antioxidants can also be included in the ophthalmic compositions of the invention. Suitable antioxidants include ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, polyquaternium-1, benzalkonium chloride, thimerosal, chlorobutanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenylethyl alcohol, edetate disodium, sorbic acid, or other agents know to those of skill in the art. Such preservatives are typically employed at a level of from about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the facially amphiphilic polymer(s) or oligomer(s) of the compositions are solubilized at least in part by an ophthalmically acceptable solubilizing agent. The term “solubilizing agent” herein includes agents that result in formation of a micellar solution or a true solution of the drug. Certain ophthalmically acceptable nonionic surfactants, for example polysorbate 80, can be useful as solubilizing agents, as can ophthalmically acceptable glycols, polyglycols, e.g., polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400), and glycol ethers.

Particularly preferred solubilizing agents for solution and solution/suspension compositions of the invention are cyclodextrins. Suitable cyclodextrins can be selected from α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, alkylcyclodextrins (e.g., methyl-β-cyclodextrin, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin, diethyl-β-cyclodextrin), hydroxyalkylcyclodextrins (e.g., hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin), carboxy-alkylcyclodextrins (e.g., carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin), sulfoalkylether cyclodextrins (e.g., sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin), and the like. Ophthalmic applications of cyclodextrins have been reviewed in Rajewski et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1996, 85, 1155-1159.

An ophthalmically acceptable cyclodextrin can optionally be present in an ophthalmic composition of the invention at a concentration of about 1 to about 200 mg/ml, preferably about 5 to about 100 mg/ml and more preferably about 10 to about 50 mg/ml.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition optionally contains a suspending agent. For example, in those embodiments in which the ophthalmic composition is an aqueous suspension or solution/suspension, the composition can contain one or more polymers as suspending agents. Useful polymers include water-soluble polymers such as cellulosic polymers, for example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and water-insoluble polymers such as cross-linked carboxyl-containing polymers. However, preferred ophthalmic compositions of the invention do not contain substantial amounts of solid particulate matter, whether of the anti-microbial polymer or oligomer active agent, an excipient, or both, as solid particulate matter, if present, can cause discomfort and/or irritation of a treated eye.

One or more ophthalmically acceptable pH adjusting agents and/or buffering agents can be included in the ophthalmic compositions of the invention, including acids such as acetic, boric, citric, lactic, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids; bases such as sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate, sodium borate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate and tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane; and buffers such as citrate/dextrose, sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. Such acids, bases and buffers are included in an amount required to maintain pH of the composition in an ophthalmically acceptable range.

One or more ophthalmically acceptable salts can be included in the compositions of the invention in an amount required to bring osmolality of the composition into an ophthalmically acceptable range. Such salts include, but are not limited to, those having sodium, potassium or ammonium cations and chloride, citrate, ascorbate, borate, phosphate, bicarbonate, sulfate, thiosulfate or bisulfite anions; preferred salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium thiosulfate, sodium bisulfite and ammonium sulfate, with sodium chloride being especially preferred.

Optionally an ophthalmically acceptable xanthine derivative such as caffeine, theobromine or theophylline can be included in the compositions of the invention, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,343. Inclusion of the xanthine derivative can reduce ocular discomfort associated with administration of the composition.

Optionally one or more ophthalmically acceptable surfactants, preferably nonionic surfactants, or co-solvents can be included in the compositions of the invention to enhance solubility of the components of the compositions or to impart physical stability, or for other purposes. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene fatty acid glycerides and vegetable oils, e.g., polyoxyethylene (60) hydrogenated castor oil; and polyoxyethylene alkylethers and alkylphenyl ethers, e.g., octoxynol 10, octoxynol 40; polysorbate 20, 60 and 80; polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene surfactants (e.g., Pluronic® F-68, F84 and P-103); cyclodextrin; or other agents known to those of skill in the art. Typically, such co-solvents or surfactants are employed in the compositions at a level of from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight.

One or more ophthalmic lubricating agents can also be included optionally in the compositions of the invention to promote lacrimation or as a “dry eye” medication. Such agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like. It will be understood that promotion of lacrimation is beneficial in the present invention only where lacrimation is naturally deficient, to restore a normal degree of secretion of lacrimal fluid. Where excessive lacrimation occurs, residence time of the composition in the eye can be reduced.

Ophthalmic compositions of the present invention typically include a combination of one or more of the optional excipients listed above. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the ophthalmic composition can optionally further comprise glycerin in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5%, more preferably about 1% to about 2.5%, for example about 1.5% to about 2%, by weight. Glycerin can be useful to increase viscosity of the composition and for adjustment of osmolality. Independently of the presence of glycerin, the composition can also further comprise a cyclodextrin, preferably hydroxypropyl-βcyclodextrin, in an amount of about 0.5% to about 25% by weight, as a solubilizing agent, and an antimicrobially effective amount of a preservative, e.g., imidazolidinyl urea in an amount of about 0.03% to about 0.5%; methylparaben in an amount of about 0.015% to about 0.25%; propylparaben in an amount of about 0.005% to about 0.01%; phenoxyethanol in an amount of about 0.25% to about 1%; disodium EDTA in an amount of about 0.05% to about 0.2%; thimerosal in an amount of 0.001% to about 0.15%; chlorobutanol in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5%; and/or sorbic acid in an amount of about 0.05% to about 0.2%; all by weight.

The otic compositions of the present invention also optionally comprise one or more otically acceptable excipients. Otically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, one or more of the preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, viscosity-enhancing agents, buffering agents, solubilizing agents, surfactants, lubricating agents, or acceptable salts described above, or combinations thereof, as described above for the ophthalmic compositions of the invention.

Thus, for example, in some embodiments, an otic composition of the present invention optionally comprises one or more buffering agents, solubilizing agents, and antioxidants, typically in an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the otic composition further comprises glycerin (e.g., anhydrous glycerin) or propylene glycol as a viscosity-enhancing agent. The otic composition may also comprise a surfactant in combination with the glycerin or propylene glycol to aid in the removal of cerum (ear wax). Sodium bicarbonate may also be used if wax is to be removed from the ear.

Thus, e.g., in some embodiments, the otic composition of the present invention is a sterile aqueous solution comprising one or more of the disclosed polymers or oligomers, glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, and, optionally, a preservative, in purified water.

The ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention can be prepared by methods known in the art and described in patents and publications cited herein and incorporated herein by reference.

Methods of Treatment and Administration

The ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention possess anti-microbial activity and can be used in methods of treating or preventing ophthalmic infections in an eye of an animal, or otic infections in the ear of an animal.

The term “animal” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, humans and non-human vertebrates such as wild, domestic and farm animals. Preferably, the animal is a warm-blooded, mammalian subject, including, but not limited to, domestic, farm and exotic mammals, and humans. The methods of the present invention can be useful, for example, in the treatment of eye infections in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and/or pigs, but is more particularly useful where the subject is human.

The phrases “treating an ophthalmic infection” and “treatment of an ophthalmic infection” refer to both the prevention and the therapeutic treatment, e.g., the alleviation or amelioration, of an ophthalmic infection, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) the progress of an ophthalmic infection, or obtain beneficial or desired clinical results. For example, “beneficial or desired clinical results” include, but are not limited to, alleviation of the symptoms of an ophthalmic infection; diminishment of the extent of an ophthalmic infection; stabilization (for example, not worsening) of the state of an ophthalmic infection; delay in the onset or the slowing of an ophthalmic infection or its progression; amelioration of an ophthalmic infection or remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or undetectable, or enhancement or improvement of an ophthalmic infection. Treatment includes eliciting a clinically significant response without excessive levels of side effects.

Similarly, the phrases “treating an otic infection” and “treatment of an otic infection” refer to both the prevention and the therapeutic treatment, e.g., the alleviation or amelioration, of an otic infection, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) the progress of an otic infection, or obtain beneficial or desired clinical results. For example, “beneficial or desired clinical results” include, but are not limited to, alleviation of the symptoms of an otic infection; diminishment of the extent of an otic infection; stabilization (for example, not worsening) of the state of an otic infection; delay in the onset or the slowing of an otic infection or its progression; amelioration of an otic infection or remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or undetectable, or enhancement or improvement of an otic infection. Treatment includes eliciting a clinically significant response without excessive levels of side effects.

Ophthalmic infections for which the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful include, but are not limited to, infections of one or more tissues of the eye, including, for example, conjunctivitis, keratitis (including ulcerative keratitis with bacterial infection), keratoconjunctivitis (including, e.g., keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) commonly found in dogs), blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, dacyrocystitis, hordeolum, corneal ulcers, orbital and preseptal cellulitis, and endophthalmitis

In preferred methods of the invention, the infected tissue is one that is directly bathed by the lacrimal fluid, as in conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, and blepharoconjunctivitis.

The ophthalmic compositions of the present invention may also be used prophylactically in connection with various ophthalmic surgical procedures that create a risk of infection.

Otic infections for which the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful include, but are not limited to, otitis externa and otitis media. With respect to the treatment of otitis media, the compositions of the present invention are primarily useful in cases where the tympanic membrane has ruptured or tympanostomy tubes have been implanted. The otic compositions may also be used to treat infections associated with otic surgical procedures, such as tympanostomy, or to prevent such infections.

The ophthalmic and otic compositions of the invention are effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of a broad spectrum of pathogens or microbes often associated with ophthalmic and/or otic infections, including a range of bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative), fungi and viruses.

For example, the ophthalmic and otic compositions are useful in killing or inhibiting the growth of any of the following clinically relevant ocular or otic pathogens, and can be administered topically to treat and/or prevent ophthalmic or otic infections caused by the following pathogens or mixtures of the following pathogens: Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis), Streptococcus spp. (e.g., Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pneumoniae), Enterococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Chlamydia spp., Moraxella spp. (e.g., Moraxella lacunata and Moraxella catarrhalis), Haemophilus spp. (e.g., Haemophilus influenza and Haemophilus aegyptius), Pseudomonas spp. (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and, for otic infections, Pseudomonas otitidis), Serratia spp. (e.g., Serratia marcescens), Neisseria spp., and Mycoplasma spp., as well as Enterobacter spp. (e.g., Enterobacter aerogenes), Eschericia spp. (e.g., Eschericia coli), Klebsiella spp. (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae), Proteus spp. (e.g., Proteus mirabillis and Proteus vulgaris), Acinetobacter spp. (e.g., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus), Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., Porphyromonas spp., and Bacteroides spp. (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis). This list of microbes is purely illustrative and is in no way to be interpreted as restrictive.

Thus, for example, the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention can be administered to treat or prevent a bacterial infection of the eye caused by one or more of the following species: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Enterococcus faecalis, Corynebacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae.

For example, treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis by administering an ophthalmic composition of the present invention is appropriate where infection with one or more of the following species is present: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Enterococcus faecalis, Corynebacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae.

Similarly, treatment of bacterial blepharitis by administering an ophthalmic composition of the present invention is appropriate where infection with one or more of the following species is present: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Treatment of bacterial keratitis by administering an ophthalmic composition of the present invention is also appropriate where infection with one or more of the following species is present: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus viridans.

The otic compositions of the present invention, for example, can also be administered to treat or prevent a bacterial infection of the ear caused by one or more of the following species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas otitidis, and Proteus spp. (e.g., Proteus mirabillis and Proteus vulgaris), as well as one or more of the following anaerobes: Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., Porphyromonas spp., and Bacteroides spp. (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis). Thus, for example, treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media by administering an otic composition of the present invention is appropriate where infection with one or more of the following species is present: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschericia coli, Klebsiella spp. (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae), Proteus spp. (e.g., Proteus mirabillis and Proteus vulgaris), Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., Porphyromonas spp., and Bacteroides spp. (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis).

The ophthalmic or otic compositions are also useful in killing or inhibiting the growth of clinically relevant ocular or otic fungi, and can be administered topically to treat and/or prevent ophthalmic or otic infections caused by one or more species of fungi, or a mixture of species of fungi, including, but not limited to, Aspergillus spp. (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus favus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus), Fusarium spp. (e.g., Fusarium solani, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferartum), Malessezia spp. (e.g., Malessezia pachydermatis), and/or Candida spp. (e.g., Candida albicans), as well as Chrysosporium parvum, Metarhizium anisopliae, Phaeoisaria clematidis, and Sarcopodium oculorum. This list of microbes is purely illustrative and is in no way to be interpreted as restrictive.

Thus, the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention can be administered to treat or prevent a fungal infection of the eye caused by one or more of the following species: Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Chrysosporium parvum, Metarhizium anisopliae, Phaeoisaria clematidis, and Sarcopodium oculorum. For example, the ophthalmic composition can be administered to treat fungal keratitis caused by one or more Aspergillus spp. and/or Fusarium spp.

The otic compositions of the present invention, for example, can also be administered to treat or prevent a fungal infection of the ear caused by one or more of the following species: Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and/or Malessezia spp. (e.g., Malessezia pachydermatis).

The ophthalmic or otic compositions are also useful in killing or inhibiting the growth of clinically relevant ocular or otic viruses and can be administered topically to treat and/or prevent ophthalmic or otic infections caused by one or more viruses, including, but not limited to, adenoviruses and herpes viruses (including, e.g., Herpes simplex 1 virus and/or varicella-zoster virus), Eneroviruses and Cytomegaloviruses.

Thus, for example, the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention can be administered to treat or prevent a viral infection of the eye, e.g., Herpes keratitis, caused by Herpes simplex 1 virus.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the invention are useful and effective in killing and/or preventing the growth of microbes that have developed significant levels of resistance to anti-microbial agents other than the disclosed polymers and oligomers. For example, in some embodiments, the ophthalmic compositions and otic compositions are especially effective in methods of treating ophthalmic infections or otic infections cased by bacterial strains that have developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, e.g., Ciprofloxacin Resistant (CR)S. aureus and CR S. epidermidis, or to fluoroquinolone, or bacterial strains that have developed resistance to penicillin.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention are administered topically to one or more tissues of the eye or ear to treat an existing microbial infection, or as a prophylactic measure to prevent a microbial infection.

Thus, for example, in some embodiments, an ophthalmic composition of the present invention is administered topically to one or more tissues of the eye to treat an existing microbial infection, e.g., conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, or blepharoconjunctivitis.

In other embodiments, an ophthalmic composition of the present invention is administered topically to one or more tissues of the eye as a prophylactic measure. That is, the compositions are administered for prophylactic uses, e.g., in connection with various ophthalmic surgical procedures that create a risk of infection. Thus, for example, a composition of the invention can be administered in a method of post-traumatic prophylaxis, especially post-surgical prophylaxis, to prevent infection after ocular surgery, or in a method of prophylaxis prior to ocular surgery, for example, administered prior to surgery to prevent infection as a consequence of surgery.

The ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention possess broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity due to the facially amphiphilic and cationic properties of the facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers in the compositions. As a consequence, an ophthalmic infection or an otic infection can be treated or prevented by administering only one of the compositions of the present invention, rather than by administering two or more separate antimicrobial compositions or one antimicrobial composition containing a combination of antimicrobial agents.

For example, because the ophthalmic compositions of the invention can be used to treat or prevent both viral and bacterial ophthalmic infections in an eye, only one of the present compositions needs to be administered to the eye to treat a viral ophthalmic infection where there is a risk of a secondary bacterial infection. Similarly, for an eye infection caused by multiple strains of bacteria (e.g., by both gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria), only one composition containing one of the disclosed amphiphilic oligomers needs to be administered, rather than a composition containing multiple anti-microbial agents, or a combination of separate treatments administered concurrently.

In some embodiments, the ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention are administered with an additional anti-microbial agent, such as, e.g., an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, or anti-viral agent. For example, the additional anti-microbial agent can be a second facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer disclosed herein, or the additional anti-microbial agent can be another anti-microbial agent such as, for example, an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, diaminopyridines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and tetracyclines. Examples of useful antibiotics which can serve as additional anti-microbials include, but are not limited to, amikacin, azithromycin, cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, colistin, domeclocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, mafenide, methacycline, minocycline, neomycin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, oxytetracycline, polymyxin B, pyrimethamine, silver sulfadiazine, sulfacetamide, sulfisoxazole, tetracycline, tobramycin, and trimethoprim.

In those embodiments in which the ophthalmic or otic composition is administered with another anti-microbial agent, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing multiple bacterial infections in an eye or an ear, the method comprising application to the eye or ear in co-therapy (including co-formulation) one or more facially amphiphilic polymers or oligomers disclosed herein and one or more additional anti-microbial agents. “Co-therapy” herein means administration to the eye or ear, at the same time or sequentially, of an ophthalmically or otically acceptable composition comprising one or more of the facially amphiphilic polymers or oligomers disclosed herein and a separate ophthalmically or otically acceptable composition of the additional anti-microbial agent, in a treatment regimen intended to provide a beneficial effect from co-action of the two types of antimicrobial agents. “Co-formulation” herein means that the facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer active agent and the additional anti-microbial agent are administered to the eye or ear as components of a single ophthalmically or otically acceptable composition.

The ophthalmic or otic compositions of the present invention also can be used in co-therapy with one or more drugs, or medicaments, other than anti-microbial agents. Such medicaments other than anti-microbial agents can be co-administered to the eye or ear together with a composition of the invention. Thus, e.g., an ophthalmic composition of the present invention can further comprise, in co-formulation with the facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer active agent, a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of one or more medicaments that are other than anti-microbial agents.

These additional medicaments other than anti-microbial agents can cooperate with the anti-microbial facially amphiphilic polymer or oligomer active agent(s) in treating and/or preventing an infective disease of the eye or ear, or can be used to treat a related or unrelated condition simultaneously affecting the eye or ear.

Any medicament having utility in an ophthalmic or otic application can be used in co-therapy, co-administration or co-formulation with an ophthalmic or otic composition of the present invention as described above. Such additional medicaments include, but are not limited to, anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors); topical and/or regional anesthetic agents; anti-allergic agents (e.g., anti-histamines); demulcents; acetylcholine blocking agents; adrenergic agonists, beta-adrenergic blocking agents and other anti-glaucoma agents; anti-hypertensives; and anti-cataract agents.

For example, ophthalmic and otic infections are frequently accompanied by inflammation of the infected ophthalmic and/or otic tissues and surrounding tissues. In addition, ophthalmic and otic surgical procedures that create a risk of microbial infections frequently also causes inflammation of the affected tissues. Thus, the ophthalmic and otic compositions of the present invention can be co-formulated with an anti-inflammatory agent to combine the anti-infective activity of one or more antibiotics with the anti-inflammatory activity of one or more steroid or non-steroid agents in a single composition.

The anti-inflammatory agents can be steroidal or non-steroidal. Examples of suitable steroidal anti-inflammatory agents include, but are not limited to, dexamethasone; dexamethasone derivatives such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,492; rimexolone; prednisolone; fluorometholone; and hydrocortisone.

Examples of suitable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents include, but are not limited to, prostaglandin H synthetase inhibitors (Cos I or Cox II), also referred to as cyclooxygenase type I and type II inhibitors, such as diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ketorolac, suprofen, nepafenac, amfenac, indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen, bromfenac, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, piroxicam, sulindac, mefanamic acid, diflusinal, oxaprozin, tolmetin, fenoprofen, benoxaprofen, nabumetome, etodolac, phenylbutazone, aspirin, oxyphenbutazone, tenoxicam and carprofen; cyclooxygenase type II selective inhibitors, such as vioxx, celecoxib, etodolac; PAF antagonists, such as apafant, bepafant, minopafant, nupafant and modipafant; PDE IV inhibitors, such as ariflo, torbafylline, rolipram, filaminast, piclamilast, cipamfylline, and roflumilast; inhibitors of cytokine production, such as inhibitors of the NFkB transcription factor; or other anti-inflammatory agents know to those skilled in the art.

Examples of suitable topical or regional anesthetic agents include, but are not limited to, benzocaine.

Examples of suitable anti-allergic agents include, but are not limited to, pemirolast, olopatadine, and the corticosteroids (prednisolone, fluorometholone, loteprenol and dexamthasone).

The additional medicament can be administered in co-therapy (including co-formulation) with the one or more facially amphiphilic polymers of the ophthalmic or otic composition. For example, in some embodiments, an ophthalmic composition of the present invention comprising one of the anti-microbial oligomer disclosed herein is administered in co-therapy with an anti-inflammatory agent, e.g., a glucocorticoid. The glucocorticoid can be co-formulated with the oligomer in a single ophthalmically acceptable composition, which is administered to one or more tissues of an eye, to not only treat or prevent an ophthalmic infection but also to treat and/or prevent inflammation.

The ophthalmic or otic compositions can be administered by any appropriate route of administration. In some aspects of the invention, the ophthalmic and otic compositions are administered topically, for example, the composition is topically administered in an antimicrobially effective amount to one or more tissues of the eye of the animal, or to one or more tissues of the ear of an animal.

An appropriate dosage, frequency and duration of administration, for example, treatment regimen, to be used in any particular situation will be readily determined by one of skill in the art without undue experimentation, and will depend, among other factors, on the particular polymer(s) or oligomer(s) present in the composition, on the particular ophthalmic infection being treated, on the age, weight and general physical condition of the subject, and on other medication being administered to the subject. It is preferred that response of the ophthalmic or otic infection to treatment according to the present methods be monitored and the treatment regimen be adjusted if necessary in light of such monitoring.

Frequency of administration is typically such that the dosing interval, for example, the period of time between one dose and the next, during waking hours is about 2 to about 12 hours, more typically about 3 to about 8 hours, for example about 4 to about 6 hours. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that an appropriate dosing interval is dependent to some degree on the length of time for which the selected composition is capable of maintaining a concentration of the anti-microbial polymer(s) or oligomer(s) in the lacrimal fluid and/or in the target tissue (e.g., the conjunctiva) above the MIC₉₀ (the minimum concentration of the oligomer or polymer which inhibits microbial growth by 90%). Ideally the concentration remains above the MIC₉₀ for at least 100% of the dosing interval. Where this is not achievable it is desired that the concentration should remain above the MIC₉₀ for at least about 60% of the dosing interval, in a worst case at least about 40% of the dosing interval.

For example, in some embodiments of the ophthalmic compositions of the invention, the ophthalmic composition is formulated as an in situ gellable aqueous liquid and is administered as eye drops. Typically each drop, generated by a conventional dispensing means, has a volume of about 10 to about 40 μL. From 1 to about 6 such drops typically provides a suitable dose of the oligomer active agent in about 25-150 μL of the composition. For example, preferably no more than 3 drops, more preferably no more than 2 drops, and most preferably no more than 1 drop, should contain the desired dose of the active agent for administration to an eye. Where the composition is administered in a form other than eye drops, for example, as an ophthalmic ointment or as a solid implant, an equivalent dose is provided. Such a dose can be administered as needed, but typically administration to the eye 1 to about 6 times per day, in most cases 2 to 4 times a day, provides adequate continuing relief or prevention of the infective disease indicated.

The ophthalmic compositions of the invention, e.g., the aqueous suspension compositions, can be packaged in single-dose non-reclosable containers. Such containers can maintain the composition in a sterile condition and thereby eliminate need for preservatives such as mercury-containing preservatives, which can sometimes cause irritation and sensitization of the eye. Alternatively, multiple-dose reclosable containers can be used, in which case it is preferred to include a preservative in the composition.

For example, in some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition is an aqueous solution, suspension or solution/suspension which is administered in the form of eye drops. In these embodiments, a desired dosage of the active agent can be administered by means of a suitable dispenser as a known number of drops into the eye. Examples of suitable dispensers are disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO 96/06581.

The following examples will serve to further typify the nature of this invention but should not be construed as a limitation in the scope thereof, which scope is defined solely by the appended claims. In order that the invention disclosed herein may be more efficiently understood, examples are provided below. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any manner.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Antimicrobial Activity Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations

The following three oligomers of the invention were screened for antimicrobial activity against a number of clinically relevant ocular pathogens.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of each of the 3 oligomers were determined using standard procedures for clinical ocular isolates of Ciprofloxacin Susceptible (CS) S. aureus (CSSA) (n=27), Ciprofloxacin Resistant (CR) S. aureus (CRSA) (n=28), CS S. epidermidis (CSSE) (n=26), CR S. epidermidis (CRSE) (n=26), St. pneumoniae (SP) (n=27), St. viridans group (SV), Moraxella Species (MS) (n=25), H. influenzae (HI) (n=26), P. aeruginosa (PA) (n=26), and Serratia marcescens (SM) (n=27).

The results are presented in Table 1. Data is expressed as MIC₅₀, MIC₉₀, in μg/ml for Oligomer 1, Oligomer 2, and Oligomer 3, respectively.

TABLE 1 Oligomer 1 Oligomer 2 Oligomer 3 Microbial MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Strain (μg/ml) (μg/ml) (μg/ml) (μg/ml) (μg/ml) (μg/ml) CSSA 0.125 0.25 0.125 0.25 0.5 0.5 CRSA 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.5 0.5 CSSE 0.03 0.125 0.03 0.03 0.25 0.25 CRSE 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.25 0.25 SP 0.5 1 1 2 2 2 SV 4 16 4 32 4 8 MS 0.5 0.5 0.25 0.5 1 2 HI 16 32 8 16 4 8 PA 4 8 4 8 4 4 SM 16 64 16 32 64 256

Oligomers 1, 2, and 3 demonstrated broad spectrum in vitro activity against a number of clinically relevant ocular pathogens.

Example 2 Ophthalmic Ointment Formulation

The following represents an example of a typical ophthalmic ointment formulation comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of the invention (oligomer 1 in Example 1 above).

Ophthalmic Ointment Ingredient Amount (weight %) Oligomer 1 0.35 Mineral Oil, USP 2.0 White petrolatum, USP q.s. 100

Example 3 Ophthalmic Ointment Formulation

The following represents an example of a typical ophthalmic ointment formulation comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of the invention (oliogmer 2 in Example 1 above) and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Ophthalmic Ointment Ingredient Amount (weight %) Oligomer 2 0.3 Dexamethasone 0.1 Chlorobutanol, Anhydrous, NF 0.5 Mineral Oil, USP 5.0 White petrolatum, USP q.s. 100

Example 4 Ophthalmic/Otic Solution Formulation

The following represents an example of a typical ophthalmic/otic solution formulation comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of the invention (oliogmer 3 in Example 1 above).

Ophthalmic/Otic Solution Ingredient Amount (weight %) Oligomer 3 0.35 Sodium Acetate 0.3 Acetic Acid 0.04 Mannitol 4.60 EDTA 0.05 Benzalkonium chloride 0.006 Water q.s. 100

Example 5 Ophthalmic/Otic Suspension Formulation

The following represents an example of a typical ophthalmic/otic suspension formulation comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of the invention (oliogmer 3 in Example 1 above) and an anti-inflammatory agent (dexamethasone).

Ophthalmic/Otic Suspension Ingredient Amount (weight %) Oligomer 3 0.3 Dexamethasone, micronized USP 0.10 Benzalkonium chloride 0.01 Edetate Disodium USP 0.01 Sodium chloride USP 0.3 Sodium sulfate USP 1.2 Tyloxapol USP 0.05 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.25 Sulfuric Acid and/or q.s. for pH adjustment to 7.0-8.0 Sodium hydroxide, NF Purified sterilized water q.s. to 100

Example 6 Toxicity

The ocular toxicity of several concentrations of Oligomer 2, using the Draize ocular toxicity scoring system, in the NZW rabbit ocular toxicity model was carried out.

Nine rabbits were received from Myrtles' Rabbitry, Thompson Station, Tenn. and were subsequently divided into 5 groups:

Oligomer 2 N N Rabbit Group Concentration Rabbits Eyes Numbers I   1% Oligomer 2 2 4 1-2 II 0.25% Oligomer 2 2 4 3-4 III  0.1% Oligomer 2 2 4 5-6 IV 0.01% Oligomer 2 2 4 7-8 V Tris-Buffered Saline 1 2 9 Rabbits were treated in both eyes with (37 μl) topical drops every 30 minutes for 3 hours (7 total doses). One rabbit was treated with Tris-Buffered Saline and served as a negative control. Rabbits were evaluated in a masked fashion for ocular toxicity by an ophthalmologist with specialty training in corneal and external disease. Ocular toxicity was evaluated using the Draize scoring system after treatment on Day 0 and on Day 3 post treatment for any delayed toxicity. (Draize et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1944, 82, 377-390).

IACUC Protocol #0701145 “The In Vivo Evaluation of Biomimetics as Topical Ocular Antibiotics”. Formulations: 1) 1% Oligomer 2: 31.36 mg of Oligomer 2 in powder form was stored at −20° C. until use. The vial containing Oligomer 2 was removed from the freezer and 3.126 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) was added to the vial to yield 3.126 ml of 1% (10 mg/ml) Oligomer 2; 2) 0.25% Oligomer 2: 0.5 ml of 1% Oligomer 2 was added to 1.5 ml of TBS to yield 2 ml of 0.25% Oligomer 2; 3) 0.1% Oligomer 2: 0.2 ml of 1% Oligomer 2 was added to 1.8 ml of TBS to yield 2 ml of 0.1% Oligomer 2; 4) 0.01% Oligomer 2: 0.2 ml of 0.1% Oligomer 2 was added to 1.8 ml of TBS to yield 2 ml of 0.01% Oligomer 2; and 5) Tris-Buffered Saline: 25 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (10 mM TRIS, 150 mM NaCl, pH=7.4) was filter sterilized prior to use in preparation of the above samples and use in rabbits. The following schedule was adhered to.

Ocular Toxicity Evaluation Drop Schedule Group I Group II Group III Group IV Elapsed Time of 1% 0.25% 0.1% 0.01% Group V Drop Time Day Oligomer 2 Oligomer 2 Oligomer 2 Oligomer 2 TBS 1 0 11:40 am  X X X X X 2  :30 12:10 pm  X X X X X 3 1:00 12:40 pm  X X X X X 4 1:30 1:10 pm X X X X X 5 2:00 1:40 pm X X X X X 6 2:30 2:10 pm X X X X X 7 3:00 2:40 pm X X X X X Examine 3:20 3:00 pm X X X X X

A brief summary of the Draize scoring system for ocular lesions is provided below

1. Cornea A. Opacity-degree of density (area most dense taken for reading) No Opacity 0 Scattered or diffuse area, details of iris clearly visible 1 Easily discernible translucent areas, details of iris 2 slightly obscured Opalescent areas, no details of iris visible, size of pupil 3 barely discernible Opaque, iris invisible 4 B. Area of cornea involved One quarter (or less) but not zero 1 Greater than one quarter, but less than half 2 Greater than half. but less than three quarters 3 Greater than three quarters, up to whole area 4 A × B × 5 Total Maximum = 80 2. Iris A Values Normal 0 Folds above normal, congestion, swelling, 1 circumcorneal injection (any or all of these or combination of any thereof) iris still reacting to light (sluggish reaction is positive) No reaction to light, hemorrhage, gross destruction 2 (any or all of these) A × 5 Total Maximum = 10 3. Conjunctivae A. Redness (refers to palpebral and bulbar conjunctivas excluding cornea and iris) Vessels normal 0 Vessels definitely injected above normal 1 More diffuse, deeper crimson red, individual vessels 2 not easily discernible Diffuse beefy red 3 B. Chemosis No swelling 0 Any swelling above normal (includes nictitating 1 membrane) Obvious swelling with partial eversion of lids 2 Swelling with lids about half-closed 3 Swelling with lids about half-closed to completely 4 closed C. Discharge No discharge 0 Any amount different from normal (does not include 1 small amounts observed in inner canthus of normal animals) Discharge with moistening of the lids and hairs 2 just adjacent to lids Discharge with moistening of the lids and hairs, and 3 considerable area around the eye Score (A + B + C) × 2 Total Maximum = 20 Total Maximum Score: 110 represents the sum of all scores obtained for the cornea, iris and conjunctivae.

Classification of Eye Irritation Scores:

MMTS Classification Symbol 0.0-0.5 Non-Irritating N 0.6-2.5 Practically Non-Irritating PN  2.6-15.0 Minimally Irritating M1 15.1-25.0 Mildly Irritating M2 25.1-50.0 Moderately Irritating M3 50.1-80.0 Severely Irritating S  80.1-100.0 Extremely Irritating E 100.1-110.0 Maximally Irritating Mx MMTS = Maximum Mean Total Score (The mean total score per group) Kay et al., J. Soc. Cos. Chem., 1962, 13, 281-289.

Acute Ocular Toxicity Evaluation Observations of Rabbit Behavior After Instillation of Test Drugs on Day 0:

Oligomer 2 Group Concentration I   1% Oligomer 2 II 0.25% Oligomer 2 III  0.1% Oligomer 2 IV 0.01% Oligomer 2 V Tris-Buffered Saline

Drop 1 (11:40 am)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 2 (12:10 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 3 (12:40 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

-   -   Group I—1% Oligomer 2—Eyes have developed noticeable         conjunctivitis.

Drop 4 (1:10 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

-   -   Group I—1% Oligomer 2—Eyes have developed noticeable discharge.

Drop 5 (1:40 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 6 (2:10 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 7 (2:40 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Group: I 1% Oligomer 2 Day 0 Day 3 Eye Test 1L 1R 2L 2R 1L 1R 2L 2R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 III. A. 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 III. B. 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 III. C. 3 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 III. Tot 14 12 10 10 0 0 0 0 Score 19 17 15 15 0 0 0 0 MMTS 16.5 - M₂ 0.0 - N

Group: II 0.25% Oligomer 2 Day 0 Day 3 Eye Test 3L 3R 4L 4R 3L 3R 4L 4R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 III. Tot 8 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 Score 8 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 MMTS 5.0 - M₁ 0.0 - N

Group: III 0.1% Oligomer 2 Day 0 Day 3 Eye Test 5L 5R 6L 6R 5L 5R 6L 6R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Score 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MMTS 0.0 - N 0.0 - N

Group: IV 0.01% Oligomer 2 Day 0 Day 3 Eye Test 7L 7R 8L 8R 7L 7R 8L 8R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. Tot 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 Score 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 MMTS 0.5 - N 0.5 - N

Group: V TBS Control Day 0 Day 3 Eye Test 9L 9R 9L 9R I. A. 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 0 0 0 III. Tot 0 0 0 0 Score 0 0 0 0 MMTS 0.0 - N 0.0 - N

Summary of MMTS Results

Group Day 0 Day 3   1% Oligomer 2 16.5 - M₂ 0.0 - N Mildly Irritating Non-Irritating 0.25% Oligomer 2 5.0 - M₁ 0.0 - N Minimally Irritating Non-Irritating  0.1% Oligomer 2 0.0 - N 0.0 - N Non-Irritating Non-Irritating 0.01% Oligomer 2 0.5 - N 0.5 - N Non-Irritating Non-Irritating Tris-Buffered Saline 0.0 - N 0.0 - N Non-Irritating Non-Irritating

Oligomer 2 demonstrated dose dependent ocular toxicity after 7 topical instillations (every 30 minutes for 3 hours) in the NZW rabbit ocular toxicity model. 1% Oligomer 2 was determined to be Mildly Irritating, 0.25% Oligomer 2 was determined to be Minimally Irritating, while 0.1% and 0.01% Oligomer 2 were determined to be Non-Irritating.

There were no acute reactions by the rabbits (flinching, immediate wiping of eyes, vocalization, hopping to rear of cage) upon instillation of any of the Oligomer 2 concentrations suggesting that Oligomer 2 does not sting upon instillation.

There was no prolonged toxicity (3 days after drops) demonstrated in any treatment group.

1% Oligomer 2, though Mildly Irritating, is suitable for use to determine whether Oligomer 2 demonstrates efficacy in the Staphylococcus aureus keratitis model.

Example 7 Toxicity

The ocular toxicity of several formulations of Oligomer 4 with and without farnesol, using the Draize ocular toxicity scoring system, in the NZW rabbit ocular toxicity model was carried out.

Fifteen rabbits were received from Myrtles' Rabbitry, Thompson Station, Tenn. and were divided into 8 groups:

N N Rabbit Group Formulation Rabbits Eyes Numbers I 0.25% Oligomer 4 in Tris Buffered 2 4 1-2 Saline (TBS) II 0.5% Oligomer 4 Tris Buffered 2 4 3-4 Saline (TBS) III 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene 2 4 5-6 Glycol (PG) and TBS IV 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene 2 4 7-8 Glycol (PG) and TBS V 0.25% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM 2 4  9-10 Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS VI 0.5% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM 2 4 11-12 Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS VII 1% Propylene Glycol in TBS 2 4 13-14 VIII Tris-Buffered Saline 1 2 15 Rabbits were treated in both eyes with (37 μl) topical drops every 30 minutes for 3 hours (7 total doses). One rabbit was treated with Tris-Buffered Saline and served as a negative control. Rabbits were evaluated in a masked fashion for ocular toxicity by an ophthalmologist with specialty training in corneal and external disease 30 minutes after the final dose. Ocular toxicity was evaluated using the Draize scoring system (see above) after treatment on Day 0 and on Day 2 post treatment for any delayed toxicity.

Formulations: 1) 0.25% Oligomer 4: Vial 1 of Oligomer 4 in powder form was stored at 4° C. until use. The vial was removed from the refrigerator and 1.04 ml of sterile water for injection was added and vortexed until solid was completely dissolved. Then, 1.04 ml of Solution A (2×TBS) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds; 2) 0.5% Oligomer 4: Vial 2 of Oligomer 4 in powder form was stored at 4° C. until use. The vial was removed from the refrigerator and 1.04 ml of sterile water for injection was added and vortexed until solid was completely dissolved. Then, 1.04 ml of Solution A (2×TBS) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds; 3) 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS: Vial 3 containing about 2 ml of 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS was stored at 4° C. until use; 4) 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS: Vial 4 containing about 2 ml of 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS was stored at 4° C. until use; 5) 0.25% Oligomer 4+100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS: Vial 5 of Oligomer 4 in powder form was stored at 4° C. until use; at the time of use, the vial was removed from the refrigerator and 1.016 ml of sterile water for injection was added and vortexed until solid was completely dissolved; then 1.016 ml of Solution B (2% PG, 2×TBS, 200 μM Farnesol) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds; 6) 0.5% Oligomer 4+100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS: Vial 6 of Oligomer 4 in powder form was stored at 4° C. until use; at the time of use, the vial was removed from the refrigerator and 1.02 ml of sterile water for injection was added and vortexed until solid was completely dissolved; then 1.02 ml of Solution B (2% PG, 2×TBS, 200 μM Farnesol) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds; 7) 1% Propylene Glycol in TBS: Vial 7 containing about 2 ml of 1% Propylene Glycol was stored at 4° C. until use; and 8) Tris-Buffered Saline: Vial 8 containing about 2 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (10 mM TRIS, 150 mM NaCl, pH=7.4) was stored at 4° C. until use.

IACUC Protocol #0701145-1 “The In Vivo Evaluation of Biomimetics as Topical Ocular Antibiotics”.

Ocular Toxicity Evaluation Drop Schedule - Groups Elapsed Time Drop Time of Day I II III IV V VI VII VIII 1 0 10:45 X X X X X X X X 2  :30 11:15 X X X X X X X X 3 1:00 11:45 X X X X X X X X 4 1:30 12:15 X X X X X X X X 5 2:00 12:45 X X X X X X X X 6 2:30  1:15 X X X X X X X X 7 3:00  1:45 X X X X X X X X Exam 3:30  2:15 X X X X X X X X

Acute Ocular Toxicity Evaluation

Observations of Rabbit Behavior After Instillation of Test Drugs on Day 0

Group Formulation I 0.25% Oligomer 4 in Tris Buffered Saline (TBS) II 0.5% Oligomer 4 Tris Buffered Saline (TBS) III 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS IV 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS V 0.25% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS VI 0.5% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS VII 1% Propylene Glycol in TBS VIII Tris-Buffered Saline

Drop 1 (10:45 am)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 2(11:15 am)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 3 (11:45 am)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 4 (12:15 am)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 5 (12:45 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 6 (1:15 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Drop 7 (1:45 pm)

No adverse behavior observed after instillation of ALL test drugs.

Group: I 0.25% Oligomer 4 Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 1L 1R 2L 2R 1L 1R 2L 2R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 III. Tot 0 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 Score 0 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 MMTS 1.5 - PN 0.5 - N Practically Non-Irritating Non-Irritating

Group: II 0.5% Oligomer 4 Day 0 Day2 Eye Test 3L 3R 4L 4R 3L 3R 4L 4R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 2 2 2 1 0 0 1 1 III. Tot 8 8 8 2 0 0 2 2 Score 8 8 8 2 0 0 2 2 MMTS 6.5 - M₁ 1.0 - N Minimally Practically Irritating Non-Irritating

Group: III 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 5L 5R 6L 6R 5L 5R 6L 6R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 III. Tot 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 Score 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 MMTS 0.0 - N 1.5 - PN Non-Irritating Practically Non-Irritating

Group: IV 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 7L 7R 8L 8R 7L 7R 8L 8R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 III. Tot 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 Score 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 MMTS 0.5 - N 0.5 - N Non-Irritating Non-Irritating

Group: V 0.25% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 9L 9R 10L 10R 9L 9R 10L 10R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 III. Tot 0 8 2 2 0 2 2 2 Score 0 8 2 2 0 2 2 2 MMTS 3.0 - M₁ 1.5 - PN Minimally Practically Irritating Non-Irritating

Group: VI 0.5% Oligomer 4 + 100 μM Farnesol in 1% PG and TBS Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 11L 11R 12L 12R 11L 11R 12L 12R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 III. B. 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 III. C. 2 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 III. Tot 10 12 10 10 2 0 2 0 Score 10 12 10 10 2 0 2 0 MMTS 10.5 - M₁ 1.0 - PN Minimally Practically Irritating Non-Irritating

Group: VII 1% Propylene Glycol in TBS Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 13L 13R 14L 14R 13L 13R 14L 14R I. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 III. C. 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 III. Tot 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 2 Score 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 MMTS 0.5 - N 1.5 - PN Non-Irritating Practically Non-Irritating

Group: VIII TBS Treated Control Day 0 Day 2 Eye Test 15L 15R 15L 15R I. A. 0 0 0 0 I. B. 0 0 0 0 I. Tot 0 0 0 0 II. A. 0 0 0 0 II. Tot 0 0 0 0 III. A. 0 0 0 0 III. B. 0 0 0 0 III. C. 1 1 1 1 III. Tot 2 2 2 2 Score 2 2 2 2 MMTS 2.0 - PN 2.0 - PN Practically Practically Non- Non- Irritating Irritating

Summary of MMTS Results

Group Day 0 Day 2 0.25% Oligomer 4 in 1.5 - PN 0.5 - N Tris Buffered Saline Practically Non-Irritating (TBS) Non-Irritating 0.5% Oligomer 4 Tris 6.5 - M₁ 1.0 - N Buffered Saline (TBS) Minimally Irritating Practically Non-Irritating 100 μM Farnesol in 0.0 - N 1.5 - PN 1% Propylene Glycol Non-Irritating Practically (PG) and TBS Non-Irritating 200 μM Farnesol in 0.5 - N 0.5 - N 1% Propylene Glycol Non-Irritating Non-Irritating (PG) and TBS 0.25% Oligomer 4 + 3.0 - M₁ 1.5 - PN 100 μM Farnesol in Minimally Irritating Practically 1% PG and TBS Non-Irritating 0.5% Oligomer 4 + 10.5 - M₁ 1.0 - PN 100 μM Farnesol in Minimally Irritating Practically 1% PG and TBS Non-Irritating 1% Propylene Glycol 0.5 - N 1.5 - PN in TBS Non-Irritating Practically Non-Irritating Tris-Buffered Saline 2.0 - PN 2.0 - PN Practically Practically Non-Irritating Non-Irritating

Oligomer 4 demonstrated dose dependent ocular toxicity after 7 topical instillations (every 30 minutes for 3 hours) in the NZW rabbit ocular toxicity model. 0.5% Oligomer 4 was determined to be Mildly Irritating, while 0.25% was determined to be Practically Non-Irritating. The addition of 100 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol to the Oligomer 4 concentrations increased the toxicity of both 0.5% and 0.25% Oligomer 4. Both formulations were determined to be Mildly Irritating. This was the same category as 0.5% Oligomer 4 alone, but the scores were higher. This classification was an increase for 0.25% Oligomer 4. 100 μM Farnesol, 200 μM Farnesol, and 1% Propylene Glycol individually were determined to be Non-Irritating. Tris-buffered Saline was determined to be Practically Non-Irritating. Rabbits demonstrated no adverse behavior upon instillation of any the test drugs. This indicates all of the test drugs did not sting upon instillation. There was really no prolonged or delayed toxicity (2 days after drops) demonstrated in any treatment group. The only finding on Day 2 was a slight discharge in some of the eyes which accounted for all of the scores. Although the complete formulations of 0.5% Oligomer 4 and 0.25% Oligomer 4 (including 100 μM Farnesol and 1% Propylene Glycol) were both classified as Mildly Irritating, the MMTS score for the 0.5% Oligomer 4 formulation was at the higher end of the classification whereas 0.25% Oligomer 4 formulation was at the lower end of the classification. It appears that the complete 0.5% Oligomer 4 formulation (including 100 μM Farnesol and 1% Propylene Glycol), though Mildly Irritating in uninfected eyes is probably not as suitable as other formulations for use in the efficacy studies in the Staphylococcus aureus keratitis model. The complete formulation of 0.25% Oligomer 4 (including 100 μM Farnesol and 1% Propylene Glycol) may be acceptable from a toxicity point of view. Experience with other formulations have generally shown that ocular toxicity can increase when instilled more frequently (21 drops vs. 7 drops) in infected eyes in the Staphylococcus aureus keratitis efficacy model.

Example 8 MIC

One purpose of the following experiments was to determine the MICs of two biomimetic compounds vs. 25 ocular isolates of Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant, Serratia marcescens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans group, Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae.

General Procedures:

Mueller-Hinton Broth in tubes was inoculated with 25 ocular isolates of Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, plus two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and incubated at 37° C. overnight on a shaker set at 250 rpm.

Mueller-Hinton Broth supplemented with 2% lysed horse blood in tubes was inoculated with 25 ocular isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans group, and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) plus two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and incubated at 37° C. overnight. Additionally, Mueller-Hinton Broth in tubes was inoculated with two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and incubated at 37° C. overnight on a shaker set at 250 rpm.

HTM (Haemophilus Test Medium) in tubes was inoculated with 25 ocular isolates of Haemophilus influenzae plus two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and incubated at 37° C. overnight. Additionally, Mueller-Hinton Broth in tubes was inoculated with two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and incubated at 37° C. overnight on a shaker set at 250 rpm.

On the day of testing, a 640 μg/ml (1280 μg/ml for Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) concentration was prepared from a 1% stock solution in 0.01% acetic acid, 0.2% BSA in polypropylene tubes.

Serial doubling dilutions in 0.01% acetic acid, 0.2% BSA in 96 well polypropylene plates, which are used as reservoirs for the inoculation of the test plates, were carried out to obtain serial dilutions of test agents at 10 times the required test concentrations: 640, 320, 160, 80, 40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 μg/ml (1280, 640, 320, 160, 80, 40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 μg/ml for Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Ten μl of diluted 10× test agents was added to each well of one row of the 96 well polypropylene plates from column 2 to column 12 (column 1 is a control for bacteria alone, with no peptide). Test agent concentrations in columns 2-12 were as follows: 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, and 0.0625 μg/ml (128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 μg/ml for Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The same peptide was in each of the 8 rows. One plate contained dilutions of one test agent and 8 bacterial isolates.

On the day of testing, the overnight bacterial broth cultures of Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, plus two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) were diluted in 5 ml of trypticase soy broth to yield turbidity equal to a 0.5 McFarland standard. The final inoculum for MIC testing for Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was achieved by placing 0.05 ml of the turbidity adjusted sample to 5 ml of Mueller-Hinton broth.

Control Bacteria—The two control bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) were treated as above.

On the day of testing, the overnight bacterial broth cultures of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) plus two controls (Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) were diluted in 5 ml of trypticase soy broth to yield turbidity equal to a 0.5 McFarland standard. The final inoculum for MIC testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) was achieved by placing 0.1 ml of the turbidity adjusted sample to 5 ml of Mueller-Hinton broth containing 2% lysed horse red blood cells.

Control Bacteria Set #1—this set of control bacteria were treated as the Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) test isolates above; the control bacteria underwent the same conditions as the test Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) isolates. This set of control bacteria was to determine whether there was a difference in the MICs by performing the MIC determinations in 2% lysed horse red blood cells with the standard method performed in Mueller-Hinton broth.

Control Bacteria Set #2—the control bacteria were added to 5 ml of Mueller-Hinton Broth without the 2% lysed horse red blood cells to achieve the standard inoculum concentration. This set of control bacteria is the normal control to determine whether the compounds are at the target MICs.

On the day of testing, the overnight bacterial broth cultures of Haemophilus species was diluted in 5 ml of trypticase soy broth to yield turbidity equal to a 0.5 McFarland standard. The final inoculum for MIC testing for Haemophilus species was achieved by placing 0.1 ml of the turbidity adjusted sample to 5 ml of HTM medium.

Control Bacteria Set #1—this set of control bacteria were treated as the Haemophilus influenzae test isolates above; the control bacteria underwent the same conditions as the test Haemophilus influenzae isolates. This set of control bacteria is to determine whether there was a difference in the MICs by performing the MIC determinations in HTM broth with the standard method performed in Mueller-Hinton broth.

Control Bacteria Set #2—the control bacteria were added to 5 ml of Mueller-Hinton Broth to achieve the standard inoculum concentration. This set of control bacteria is the normal control to determine whether the compounds are at the target MICs.

Ninety μl of the bacterial suspensions was dispensed in each well from column 1 to column 12. Each bacterial isolate was placed in one row of a 96 well polypropylene plate containing the test agents. The plates were placed on shaker at 15 minutes at room temperature, and then incubated at 37° C. overnight. MICs were determined visually as the lowest concentration of drug that inhibits visible bacterial growth.

The MICs of the 2 compounds Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 were compared statistically with the Kiruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Duncan's Multiple Comparisons Test using True Epistat statistical software (True Epistat, Richardson, Tex.).

MIC (ug/mL) Oligomer E. coli D31 S. aureus ATCC27660 Oligomer 4 0.78 0.098 Oligomer 5 1.56 0.78

MIC E. coli E. P. K. Lab S. aureus faecalis aeruginosa pneumoniae Strain ATCC ATCC ATCC Lab Strain Compound D31 27660 29212 10145 KP10 Oligomer 4 0.78 0.098 0.78 12.5 0.78 Oligomer 5 1.56 0.78 1.56 >100 1.56 Isolate numbers with a “K” before the number indicates they have been isolated from cases of Keratitis. Isolate numbers with an “E” before the number indicates they have been isolated from cases of Endophthalmitis. Isolate numbers with a “B” before the number indicates they have been isolated from cases of Blepharitis and or Conjunctivitis. Most Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates are from cases of conjunctivitis. “Fluoroquinolone-resistant” indicates the bacteria are resistant to the second generation fluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin but, not necessarily resistant to the fourth generation fluoroquinolones gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin by CLSI serum standards.

S. aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - E402 0.25 0.5  2 - E1512 0.25 0.25  3 - E253 0.25 0.25  4 - K1518 0.25 0.125  5 - K1525 0.125 0.125  6 - K1663 0.5 0.125  7 - K1648 0.25 0.125  8 - K1646 0.25 0.25  9 - K1642 0.5 0.25 10 - K1638 0.5 0.25 11 - K1628 0.25 0.25 12 - K1618 0.5 0.125 13 - K1617 0.25 0.25 14 - K1611 0.25 0.25 15 - K1607 0.25 0.25 16 - K1600 0.25 0.125 17 - K1591 0.25 0.5 18 - K1585 0.25 0.25 19 - K1583 0.25 0.25 20 - K1574 0.25 0.25 21 - K1566 0.25 0.25 22 - K1551 0.25 0.125 23 - K1545 0.25 0.25 24 - K1540 0.25 0.25 25 - K1530 0.25 0.5 E. coli D31 1 (0.78)  16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 2 (0.098) 16 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

S. aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row QSSA-A QSSA-A 1 0.125 0.125 2 0.250 0.125 3 0.250 0.125 4 0.250 0.125 5 0.250 0.125 6 0.250 0.125 7 0.250 0.125 8 0.250 0.250 9 0.250 0.250 10 0.250 0.250 11 0.250 0.250 12 0.250 0.250 13 0.250 0.250 MIC₅₀ 14 0.250 0.250 15 0.250 0.250 16 0.250 0.250 17 0.250 0.250 18 0.250 0.250 19 0.250 0.250 20 0.250 0.250 21 0.250 0.250 22 0.500 0.250 MIC₉₀ 23 0.500 0.500 24 0.500 0.500 25 0.500 0.500

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 QSSA 25 0 0.2850 0.0198 0.0990 0.1250 0.2500 0.5000 Olig 5 QSSA 25 0 0.2450 0.0222 0.1111 0.1250 0.2500 0.5000

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4 0.25 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.25 μg/ml  0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 QSSA, Oligomer 5 QSSA N Median Olig 4 QSSA 25 0.2500 Olig 5 QSSA 25 0.2500 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 0.0000

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−0.0000, 0.1250) W=712.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.1483 The test is significant at 0.0731 NS (adjusted for ties)

S. aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - E504 0.25 0.5  2 - E475 0.25 0.25  3 - E442 0.25 0.25  4 - E427 0.5 0.5  5 - E425 0.25 0.25  6 - E424 0.25 0.25  7 - E417 1 0.25  8 - E407 0.25 0.125  9 - E401 0.25 0.25 10 - K1659 0.25 0.25 11 - E96 0.125 0.25 12 - E379 0.5 0.5 13 - E369 0.125 0.5 14 - E361 0.25 0.25 15 - E339 0.25 0.25 16 - E333 0.25 0.125 17 - E332 0.25 0.25 18 - E327 0.5 0.25 19 - E325 0.5 0.25 20 - K950 0.5 0.25 21 - K839 0.25 0.25 22 - K1679 0.25 0.25 23 - K1677 0.25 0.5 24 - K1672 0.25 0.25 25 - K1670 0.25 0.25 E. coli D31 1 (0.78)  4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 1 (0.098) 8 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

S. aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row QRSA-A QRSA-A 1 0.125 0.125 2 0.125 0.125 3 0.250 0.250 4 0.250 0.250 5 0.250 0.250 6 0.250 0.250 7 0.250 0.250 8 0.250 0.250 9 0.250 0.250 10 0.250 0.250 11 0.250 0.250 12 0.250 0.250 13 0.250 0.250 MIC₅₀ 14 0.250 0.250 15 0.250 0.250 16 0.250 0.250 17 0.250 0.250 18 0.250 0.250 19 0.250 0.250 20 0.500 0.250 21 0.500 0.500 22 0.500 0.500 MIC₉₀ 23 0.500 0.500 24 0.500 0.500 25 1.000 0.500

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 QRSA 25 0 0.3200 0.0361 0.1807 0.1250 0.2500 1.0000 Olig 5 QRSA 25 0 0.2900 0.0225 0.1125 0.1250 0.2500 0.5000

Summary of Results MIC50 MIC90 Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4 0.25 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-1.0 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.25 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 QRSA, Oligomer 5 QRSA N Median Olig 4 QRSA 25 0.2500 Olig 5 QRSA 25 0.2500 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.0000

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−0.0000, 0.0000) W=651.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.7934 The test is significant at 0.7450 NS (adjusted for ties)

Control Bacteria

During the first sets of MICs performed with the S. aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible and S. aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, the MICs for the control bacteria (E. coli D31, and S. aureus ATCC 27660) for both Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 were much higher than those shown below.

Control for Control Isolate MIC Test Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 E. coli D31 SA-FQS 1 (0.78)  16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SA-FQS 2 (0.098) 16 (0.78) E. coli D31 SA-FQR 1 (0.78)   4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SA-FQR 1 (0.098)  8 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

A new set of MICs were performed with new batches of both Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5, and control bacteria, in quadruplicate. The results from the experiment is as follows:

Control for Control Isolate MIC Test Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 1 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098)   0.25 (0.78)   Only 1 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 2 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098)   0.25 (0.78)   Only 2 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 3 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098)   0.5 (0.78)   Only 3 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 16 (1.56)  Only 4 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.5 (0.098)  0.5 (0.78)   Only 4 MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Although the MICs for Oligomer 5 for E. coli D31 remained high, the MICs for S. aureus ATCC 27660 were for both Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 and Oligomer 4 for E. coli D31 were within the acceptable range (1-2 doubling dilutions) of the MICs previously obtained. It was decided to continue with the MIC determinations using the new batches of Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 for all subsequent MIC determinations.

Since the MICs for both Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 with the S. aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible and S. aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant were similar to that of the control S. aureus ATCC 27660 MIC performed previously, these MICs performed with the first batch of drugs would not be repeated using the new batches of compounds.

Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - E511 0.25 0.25  2 - E489 0.125 0.125  3 - E491 0.125 0.125  4 - E476 0.25 0.25  5 - E473 0.25 0.125  6 - E462 0.125 0.125  7 - E460 0.125 0.125  8 - E453 0.125 0.125  9 - E448 0.125 0.125 10 - E443 <0.0625 <0.0625 11 - E441 <0.0625 0.125 12 - E438 0.125 0.125 13 - E437 0.125 0.125 14 - E434 0.125 0.125 15 - E433 0.125 0.125 16 - E430 <0.0625 0.125 17 - E420 0.125 0.125 18 - E419 0.125 0.125 19 - E403 0.125 0.125 20 - E394 0.125 0.125 21 - E393 0.125 0.125 22 - E328 0.25 0.25 23 - E382 0.125 0.125 24 - E381 0.125 0.25 25 - E372 0.25 <0.0625 E. coli D31   1 (0.78)   4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, <0.0625 was Replaced with 0.03125. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row QSSE-A QSSE-A 1 0.03125 0.03125 2 0.03125 0.03125 3 0.03125 0.12500 4 0.12500 0.12500 5 0.12500 0.12500 6 0.12500 0.12500 7 0.12500 0.12500 8 0.12500 0.12500 9 0.12500 0.12500 10 0.12500 0.12500 11 0.12500 0.12500 12 0.12500 0.12500 13 0.12500 0.12500 MIC₅₀ 14 0.12500 0.12500 15 0.12500 0.12500 16 0.12500 0.12500 17 0.12500 0.12500 18 0.12500 0.12500 19 0.12500 0.12500 20 0.12500 0.12500 21 0.25000 0.12500 22 0.25000 0.25000 MIC₉₀ 23 0.25000 0.25000 24 0.25000 0.25000 25 0.25000 0.25000

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 QSSE 25 0 0.1388 0.0129 0.0645 0.0313 0.1250 0.2500 Olig 5 QSSE 25 0 0.1375 0.0113 0.0563 0.0313 0.1250 0.2500

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml 4 Oligomer 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml 5

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 QSSE, Oligomer 5 QSSE N Median Olig 4 QSSE 25 0.12500 Olig 5 QSSE 25 0.12500 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 0.00000

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−0.00002, 0.00000) W=638.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.9923 The test is significant at 0.9902 NS (adjusted for ties)

Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - E515 0.125 0.125  2 - E514 <0.0625 0.125  3 - E513 0.125 0.125  4 - E510 <0.0625 0.125  5 - E509 0.125 0.125  6 - E508 0.125 0.125  7 - E505 0.125 0.125  8 - E503 0.125 0.125  9 - E502 0.125 0.25 10 - E499 0.125 0.25 11 - E498 0.125 0.125 12 - E494 <0.0625 0.125 13 - E493 0.125 0.125 14 - E485 0.125 0.125 15 - E487 0.125 <0.0625 16 - E486 <0.0625 0.125 17 - E480 0.125 0.125 18 - E475 0.25 0.125 19 - E471 0.125 0.125 20 - E458 0.125 0.125 21 - E452 0.25 0.5 22 - E450 0.125 0.125 23 - E440 0.25 0.125 24 - E446 0.125 <0.0625 25 - E444 0.25 0.25 E. coli D31   1 (0.78)   4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, <0.0625 was Replaced with 0.03125. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row QRSE-A QRSE-A 1 0.03125 0.03125 2 0.03125 0.03125 3 0.03125 0.12500 4 0.03125 0.12500 5 0.12500 0.12500 6 0.12500 0.12500 7 0.12500 0.12500 8 0.12500 0.12500 9 0.12500 0.12500 10 0.12500 0.12500 11 0.12500 0.12500 12 0.12500 0.12500 13 0.12500 0.12500 MIC₅₀ 14 0.12500 0.12500 15 0.12500 0.12500 16 0.12500 0.12500 17 0.12500 0.12500 18 0.12500 0.12500 19 0.12500 0.12500 20 0.12500 0.12500 21 0.12500 0.12500 22 0.25000 0.25000 MIC₉₀ 23 0.25000 0.25000 24 0.25000 0.25000 25 0.25000 0.50000

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 QRSE 25 0 0.1300 0.0127 0.0636 0.0313 0.1250 0.2500 Olig 5 QRSE 25 0 0.1475 0.0179 0.0895 0.0313 0.1250 0.5000

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml 4 Oligomer 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml  0.03125-0.5 μg/ml 5

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 QRSE, Oligomer 5 QRSE N Median Olig 4 QRSE 25 0.12500 Olig 5 QRSE 25 0.12500 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.00000

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.00001,−0.00002) W=614.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.6624 The test is significant at 0.5800 NS (adjusted for ties)

Serratia marcescens MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - K1681 32 >128  2 - K1674 32 >128  3 - K1558 4 >128  4 - K1538 16 >128  5 - K1503 32 >128  6 - K1216 4 >128  7 - K1496 8 >128  8 - K1481 2 >128  9 - K1470 32 >128 10 - K1468 2 >128 11 - K1467 32 >128 12 - K1462 16 >128 13 - K1461 8 128 14 - K1413 16 >128 15 - K1402 0.25 8 16 - K1357 1 >128 17 - K1351 0.5 64 18 - K1327 8 >128 19 - K1321 8 >128 20 - K1315 16 >128 21 - K1306 8 >128 22 - K1290 8 >128 23 - K1265 8 >128 24 - K1263 8 >128 25 - K1239 8 >128 E. coli D31 0.5 (0.78)   4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 0.25 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Serratia marcescens MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >128 was Replaced with 256. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row SM-A SM-A 1 0.25 8 2 0.50 64 3 1.00 128 4 2.00 256 5 2.00 256 6 4.00 256 7 4.00 256 8 8.00 256 9 8.00 256 10 8.00 256 11 8.00 256 12 8.00 256 13 8.00 256 MIC₅₀ 14 8.00 256 15 8.00 256 16 8.00 256 17 16.00 256 18 16.00 256 19 16.00 256 20 16.00 256 21 32.00 256 22 32.00 256 MIC₉₀ 23 32.00 256 24 32.00 256 25 32.00 256

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 SM 25 0 12.39 2.21 11.04 0.25 8.00 32.00 Olig 5 SM 25 0 233.3 13.0 65.1 8.0 256.0 256.0

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4  8 μg/ml  32 μg/ml  8 μg/ml 0.25-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 256 μg/ml 256 μg/ml 256 μg/ml   8-256 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 SM, Oligomer 5 SM N Median Olig 4 SM 25 8.00 Olig 5 SM 25 256.00 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −248.00

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−247.98,−239.99) W=338.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0000 The test is significant at 0.0000 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - K1673 2 32  2 - K1668 2 64  3 - K1662 2 64  4 - K1657 2 64  5 - K1651 4 128  6 - K1649 4 64  7 - K1564 8 >128  8 - K1636 0.5 4.0  9 - K1634 2 128 10 - K1633 4 64 11 - K1632 4 64 12 - K1631 8 64 13 - K1629 4 64 14 - K1627 2 64 15 - K1626 8 128 16 - K1625 4 64 17 - K1562 4 128 18 - K1613 4 32 19 - K1553 2 128 20 - K1594 2 64 21 - K1588 4 128 22 - K1554 4 128 23 - K1580 2 32 24 - K1577 2 64 25 - K1576 4 128 E. coli D31 0.5 (0.78)    8 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 0.5 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) 27660 MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >128 was Replaced with 256. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row PA-A PA-A 1 0.5 4 2 2.0 32 3 2.0 32 4 2.0 32 5 2.0 64 6 2.0 64 7 2.0 64 8 2.0 64 9 2.0 64 10 2.0 64 11 2.0 64 12 4.0 64 13 4.0 64 MIC₅₀ 14 4.0 64 15 4.0 64 16 4.0 64 17 4.0 128 18 4.0 128 19 4.0 128 20 4.0 128 21 4.0 128 22 4.0 128 MIC₀ 23 8.0 128 24 8.0 128 25 8.0 256

Descriptive Statistics Variable N N* Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum Olig 4 PA 25 0 3.540 0.398 1.989 0.500 4.000 8.000 Olig 5 PA 25 0 85.9 10.4 51.8 4.0 64.0 256.0

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4  4 μg/ml  4 μg/ml  4 μg/ml  0.5-8 μg/ml Oligomer 5 64 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 64 μg/ml 4-256 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 PA, Oligomer 5 PA N Median Olig 4 PA 25 4.00 Olig 5 PA 25 64.00 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −62.00

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−120.00,−60.00) W=333.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0000 The test is significant at 0.0000 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Streptococcus pneumoniae MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - B1386 >64 >64  2 - B1380 1 4  3 - B1378 1 0.5  4 - B1377 2 8  5 - B1373 1 8  6 - B1367 1 16  7 - B1355 2 8  8 - B1353 1 4  9 - B1351 1 1 10 - B1339 1 2 11 - B1337 0.5 1 12 - B1335 2 1 13 - B1334 1 1 14 - B1333 1 1 15 - B1255 0.5 1 16 - B1288 1 8 17 - B1287 1 16 18 - B1272 0.5 1 19 - B1264 0.5 1 20 - B1252 1 16 21 - B1245 0.5 2 22 - B1211 1 8 23 - B1213 1 16 24 - B1208 0.5 8 25 - B1214 1 4 E. coli D31* 2 2 S. aureus ATCC 1 1 27660* E. coli D31** 0.5 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 0.25 (0.098)  2 (0.78) 27660** *Control Bacteria Set #1; **Control Bacteria Set #2; (MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.)

Streptococcus pneumoniae MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >64 was Replaced with 128 Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row SP-A SP-A 1 0.5 0.5 2 0.5 1.0 3 0.5 1.0 4 0.5 1.0 5 0.5 1.0 6 0.5 1.0 7 1.0 1.0 8 1.0 1.0 9 1.0 1.0 10 1.0 2.0 11 1.0 2.0 12 1.0 4.0 13 1.0 4.0 MIC₅₀ 14 1.0 4.0 15 1.0 8.0 16 1.0 8.0 17 1.0 8.0 18 1.0 8.0 19 1.0 8.0 20 1.0 8.0 21 1.0 16.0 22 2.0 16.0 MIC₉₀ 23 2.0 16.0 24 2.0 16.0 25 128.0 128.0

Descriptive Statistics SE Mini- Variable N N* Mean Mean StDev mum Median Maximum Olig 4 SP 25 0 6.08 5.08 25.40 0.50 1.00 128.00 Olig 5 SP 25 0 10.58 5.01 25.05 0.50 4.00 128.00

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4 1 μg/ml  2 μg/ml 1 μg/ml 0.5-128 μg/ml Oligomer 5 4 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 4 μg/ml   4-128 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 SP, Oligomer 5 SP N Median Olig 4 SP 25 1.000 Olig 5 SP 25 4.000 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −3.000

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−6.999,−0.499) W=457.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0005 The test is significant at 0.0002 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Streptococcus viridans group MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - K1684 2 8  2 - K1680 4 64  3 - E546 1 8  4 - E272 2 16  5 - E506 16 >64  6 - E496 1 0.5  7 - E456 4 16  8 - E432 4 8  9 - E423 4 >64 10 - E418 8 >64 11 - E412 2 8 12 - E409 8 32 13 - E405 4 >64 14 - E404 32 >64 15 - E396 16 32 16 - E262 1 4 17 - E362 4 16 18 - E359 4 32 19 - E348 8 16 20 - E344 4 4 21 - E308 4 4 22 - E294 4 2 23 - E292 4 0.5 24 - E285 4 0.5 25 - E265 1 8 E. coli D31* 2 2 S. aureus ATCC 2 1 27660* E. coli D31** 0.5 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC   1 (0.098)  1 (0.78) 27660** *Control Bacteria Set #1; **Control Bacteria Set #2; (MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.)

Streptococcus viridans group MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >64 was Replaced with 128. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row SV-A SV-A 1 1 0.5 2 1 0.5 3 1 0.5 4 1 2.0 5 2 4.0 6 2 4.0 7 2 4.0 8 4 8.0 9 4 8.0 10 4 8.0 11 4 8.0 12 4 8.0 13 4 16.0 MIC₅₀ 14 4 16.0 15 4 16.0 16 4 16.0 17 4 32.0 18 4 32.0 19 4 32.0 20 8 64.0 21 8 128.0 22 8 128.0 MIC₉₀ 23 16 128.0 24 16 128.0 25 32 128.0

Descriptive Statistics SE Mini- Variable N N* Mean Mean StDev mum Median Maximum Olig 4 SV 25 0 5.84 1.34 6.72 1.00 4.00 32.00 Olig 5 SV 25 0 36.78 9.72 48.59 0.50 16.00 128.00

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4  4 μg/ml  8 μg/ml  4 μg/ml   1-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 16 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 0.5-128 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 SV, Oligomer 5 SV N Median Olig 4 SV 25 4.00 Olig 5 SV 25 16.00 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −7.00

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−23.99,−3.01) W=487.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0037 The test is significant at 0.0031 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Moraxella species &Moraxella catarrhalis Combined MS = Moraxella species; MC = Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - K1614-MS 16 64  2 - K1661-MS 32 16  3 - K1643-MS 64 0.125  4 - K1640-MS 8.0 8.0  5 - B1431-MS 32 0.5  6 - B1429-MS 1 1  7 - B1418-MS 32 0.25  8 - K1784-MS 64 0.25  9 - K1773-MS 64 0.25 10 - K1369-MS 2.0 2.0 11 - B1275-MS 2.0 0.125 12 - B1221-MS 2.0 0.125 13 - B1172-MS >64 >64 14 - E542-MS 2.0 2.0 15 - K678-MS 2.0 0.5 16 - K660-MS 2.0 0.25 17 - K599-MC 0.5 0.25 18 - K1650-MC 64 0.25 19 - K1373-MC 1.0 0.125 20 - K1553-MC 4.0 2.0 21 - K1453-MC 4.0 64 22 - K1227-MC 2.0 1.0 23 - B1102-MC 1.0 0.5 24 - K1819-MC 4.0 32 25 - K1855-MC 2.0 8.0 E. coli D31* 4 2 S. aureus ATCC 1 1 27660* E. coli D31**  1 (0.78)  16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 0.5 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) 27660** *Control Bacteria Set #1; **Control Bacteria Set #2; (MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.)

Moraxella species &Moraxella catarrhalis Combined MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >64 was Replaced with 128. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row MS-A MS-A 1 0.5 0.125 2 1.0 0.125 3 1.0 0.125 4 1.0 0.125 5 2.0 0.250 6 2.0 0.250 7 2.0 0.250 8 2.0 0.250 9 2.0 0.250 10 2.0 0.250 11 2.0 0.500 12 2.0 0.500 13 4.0 0.500 MIC₅₀ 14 4.0 1.000 15 4.0 1.000 16 8.0 2.000 17 16.0 2.000 18 32.0 2.000 19 32.0 8.000 20 32.0 8.000 21 64.0 16.000 22 64.0 32.000 MIC₉₀ 23 64.0 64.000 24 64.0 64.000 25 128.0 128.000

Descriptive Statistics SE Mini- Variable N N* Mean Mean StDev mum Median Maximum Olig 4 MS 25 0 21.42 6.43 32.13 0.50 4.00 128.00 Olig 5 MS 25 0 13.26 6.00 30.00 0.13 0.50 128.00

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4   4 μg/ml 64 μg/ml   4 μg/ml  0.5-128 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.5 μg/ml 32 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.125-128 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 MS, Oligomer 5 MS N Median Olig 4 MS 25 4.00 Olig 5 MS 25 0.50 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 1.75

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.75, 6.00) W=785.0

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0043 The test is significant at 0.0040 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Haemophilus influenzae MICs μg/ml Isolate Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5  1 - B1359 8 >64  2 - B1346 8 >64  3 - B1345 8 >64  4 - B1343 8 >64  5 - B1338 4 16  6 - B1332 8 64  7 - B1331 8 >64  8 - B1330 8 >64  9 - B1379 16 8 10 - B1378 8 4 11 - B1313 4 2 12 - B1477 8 4 13 - B1286 8 2 14 - B1282 32 8 15 - B1291 8 16 16 - B1280 8 16 17 - B1279 16 64 18 - B1260 8 16 19 - B1238 2 8 20 - B1209 4 8 21 - B1249 4 16 22 - B1248 8 4 23 - B1244 8 32 24 - B1419 4 32 25 - B1222 8 >64 E. coli D31 8 16 S. aureus ATCC 4 4 27660 E. coli D31  1 (0.78)  16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 0.5 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) 27660 *Control Bacteria Set #1; **Control Bacteria Set #2; (MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.)

Haemophilus influenzae MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ Determinations and Statistics For Statistical Calculation Purposes, >64 was Replaced with 128. Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 Row HI-A HI-A 1 2 2 2 4 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 6 4 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 8 8 10 8 16 11 8 16 12 8 16 13 8 16 MIC₅₀ 14 8 16 15 8 32 16 8 32 17 8 64 18 8 64 19 8 128 20 8 128 21 8 128 22 8 128 MIC₅₀ 23 16 128 24 16 128 25 32 128

Descriptive Statistics SE Mini- Variable N N* Mean Mean StDev mum Median Maximum Olig 4 HI 25 0 8.56 1.16 5.82 2.00 8.00 32.00 Olig 5 HI 25 0 48.6 10.6 53.0 2.0 16.0 128.0

Summary of Results MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs Oligomer 4  8 μg/ml  8 μg/ml  8 μg/ml  2-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 16 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 2-128 μg/ml

Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Oligomer 4 HI, Oligomer 5 HI N Median Olig 4 HI 25 8.00 Olig 5 HI 25 16.00 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −8.00

95.2 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−56.00, 0.00) W=493.5

Test of ETA1=ETA2 vs ETA1 not=ETA2 is significant at 0.0054 The test is significant at 0.0038 (adjusted for ties)

Oligomer 4>Oligomer 5 (More Potent>Less Potent)

Summary of Results MIC Determinations of Control Bacteria from Each Day of MIC Testing MICs [μg/ml] Control for Control Isolate MIC Test Oligomer 4 Oligomer 5 E. coli D31 SA-FQS 1 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SA-FQS 2 (0.098) 16 (0.78) E. coli D31 SA-FQR 1 (0.78) 4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SA-FQR 1 (0.098) 8 (0.78) E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 1 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) Only 1 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 2 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) Only 2 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 8 (1.56) Only 3 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.25 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) Only 3 E. coli D31 Control 1 (0.78) 16 (1.56) Only 4 S. aureus ATCC 27660 Control 0.5 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) Only 4 E. coli D31 SE-FQS 1 (0.78) 4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SE-FQS 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) E. coli D31 SE-FQR 1 (0.78) 4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SE-FQR 0.25 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) E. coli D31 SM 0.5 (0.78) 4 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SM 0.25 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) E. coli D31 PA 0.5 (0.78) 8 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 PA 0.5 (0.098) 0.25 (0.78) E. coli D31 SP 0.5 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SP 0.25 (0.098) 2 (0.78) E. coli D31 SV 0.5 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 SV 1 (0.098) 1 (0.78) E. coli D31 MS 1 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 MS 0.5 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) E. coli D31 HI 1 (0.78) 16 (1.56) S. aureus ATCC 27660 HI 0.5 (0.098) 0.5 (0.78) MICs for Control Bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) are within the parentheses.

Summary of MIC Results (n = 25 per group) MIC₅₀ MIC₉₀ Median MIC Range of MICs S. aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible Oligomer 4 0.25 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.25 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml S. aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant Oligomer 4 0.25 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-1.0 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.25 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125-0.5 μg/ml Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) FQ-susceptible Oligomer 4 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) FQ-resistant Oligomer 4 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.25 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.125 μg/ml 0.25 μg/ml 0.125 μg/ml 0.03125-0.5 μg/ml Serratia marcescens Oligomer 4 8 μg/ml 32 μg/ml 8 μg/ml 0.25-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 256 μg/ml 256 μg/ml 256 μg/ml 8-256 μg/ml Pseudomonas aeruginosa Oligomer 4 4 μg/ml 4 μg/ml 4 μg/ml 0.5-8 μg/ml Oligomer 5 64 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 64 μg/ml 4-256 μg/ml Streptococcus pneumoniae Oligomer 4 1 μg/ml 2 μg/ml 1 μg/ml 0.5-128 μg/ml Oligomer 5 4 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 4 μg/ml 4-128 μg/ml Streptococcus viridans group Oligomer 4 4 μg/ml 8 μg/ml 4 μg/ml 1-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 16 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 0.5-128 μg/ml Moraxella species (Including Moraxella catarrhalis) Oligomer 4 4 μg/ml 64 μg/ml 4 μg/ml 0.5-128 μg/ml Oligomer 5 0.5 μg/ml 32 μg/ml 0.5 μg/ml 0.125-128 μg/ml Haemophilus influenzae Oligomer 4 8 μg/ml 8 μg/ml 8 μg/ml 2-32 μg/ml Oligomer 5 16 μg/ml 128 μg/ml 16 μg/ml 2-128 μg/ml

Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 demonstrated the lowest MICs for Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolone-resistant, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-susceptible, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) fluoroquinolone-resistant. Median MIC determinations were less than or equal to 0.25 μg/ml for the compounds against the ocular isolates of these species. The median MICs for Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis) were less than or equal to 4 μg/ml. The median MIC for Oligomer 4 against Streptococcus viridans group was 4 μg/ml whereas the median MIC for Oligomer 5 was 16 μg/ml. Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 demonstrated the highest MICs against the Gram-negative pathogens Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus influenzae. The median MIC of Oligomer 4 to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Haemophilus influenzae were 4, 8, and 8 μg/ml respectively The median MICs of Oligomer 5 to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Haemophilus influenzae were 64, 128, and 16 μg/ml respectively. Overall, MICs for the Control Bacteria (E. coli D31 and S. aureus ATCC 27660) for each date on which MICs were performed were within the acceptable standard of a 1-2 dilution range in MICs from the MICs previously obtained for those compounds and between different preparation days. The addition of 2% lysed horse red blood cells to the Mueller-Hinton broth for MIC testing with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis), and Streptococcus viridans group appeared to decrease the activity of the Oligomer 4 against the Control Bacteria (E. coli D31 and S. aureus ATCC 27660) approximately 4 fold. It is unknown whether the 2% lysed horse red blood cells had the same effect on the test isolates. The addition of 2% lysed horse red blood cells to the Mueller-Hinton broth for MIC testing with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella species (including Moraxella catarrhalis), and Streptococcus viridans group generally appeared to increase or have no effect on the activity of the Oligomer 5 against the Control Bacteria (E. coli D31 and S. aureus ATCC 27660). It is unknown whether the 2% lysed horse red blood cells had the same effect on the test isolates. The use of HTM broth for the MIC testing of Haemophilus influenzae appeared to decrease the activity of the Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 against the Control Bacteria S. aureus ATCC 27660 approximately 8 fold. The use of HTM broth for the MIC testing of Haemophilus influenzae appeared to decrease the activity of the Oligomer 4 against the Control Bacteria E. coli D31 approximately 8 fold but appeared to have no effect on the activity of Oligomer 5 against the Control Bacteria E. coli D31.

Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 demonstrated the lowest MICs against a variety of Gram-positive ocular bacterial isolates and at least one Gram-negative ocular bacterial species (Moraxella). Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 demonstrated varying in vitro antibacterial activity against the three species that are the leading causes of conjunctivitis (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae). The order of the lower MICs for Oligomer 4 and Oligomer 5 against the species was: Staphylococcus aureus<Streptococcus pneumoniae<Haemophilus influenzae. (<=lower MICs). Oligomer 4 demonstrated lower MICs than Oligomer 5 for all bacterial species tested except for the Staphylococcal species (equipotent) and for Moraxella species (less potent).

Example 9 Ker-1

One purpose of the following experiments was to compare the efficacy of 1% Oligomer 2, 0.5% Oligomer 2, and 5% vancomycin in the treatment of a fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the NZW rabbit keratitis model with or without intact corneal epithelia.

Fifteen rabbits were received from Myrtles' Rabbitry, Thompson Station, Tenn. The clinical isolate of fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus (K950) was subcultured on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated at 37° C. in 6% CO₂ overnight. The next morning, the MRSA strain was suspended in sterile trypticase soy broth to a 0.5 McFarland Standard, containing approximately 5×10⁸ cfu/ml of bacteria. The absorbance of the suspension was measured at 650 nm using a Beckman DU-70 spectrophotometer. OD readings of 0.07 corresponded to 5×10⁸ cfu/ml of bacteria. This concentration was appropriately diluted in sterile trypticase soy broth to provide the inoculum of approximately 1,000 (1.0×10³) cfu/eye in 25 μl. Colony counts were performed on the inoculum to determine the actual cfu inoculated. Following general anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine and topical anesthesia with proparacaine and prior to bacterial inoculation in the left eyes, 6 mm areas of the corneal epithelia was removed centrally with an Amoils epithelial scrubber. Nothing was done to the right eyes. The 15 rabbits were then inoculated intrastromally in both eyes with 25 μl of the bacterial dilution of approximately 10³ cfu/eye of the bacteria. The bacterial inoculation of the left eyes was directly under the epithelial defect created by the Amoils epithelial scrubber. The epithelia were removed in the left corneas in order to determine whether this layer of the cornea is a barrier for Oligomer 2 penetration when compared to the right cornea with an intact epithelium. A colony count was done on the inoculum to determine the actual cfu inoculated. The rabbits were immediately treated with analgesia in the form of and intramuscular injection of ketoprofen, 1.5 mg/kg. After 4 hours, the 15 rabbits were divided into 4 treatment groups and one untreated control group sacrificed at the onset of therapy. Both eyes of each rabbit of the treatment groups were treated with one 37 μl drop of the coded solutions or control Saline or 1 drop of vancomycin from its dropper bottle. The Oligomer 2 concentrations were masked and labeled as 1 and 2. The masked concentrations were 1% Oligomer 2 and 0.5% Oligomer 2 but the specific concentrations of solutions were not known to the lab workers who carried out the experiment. The vancomycin and control (Tris-Buffered Saline) were not masked.

Groups:

Rx-Both Group Left Eye Right Eye Eyes Treatment Regimen Rabbit # I Abraded Intact Oligomer 2 Every 15 minutes for 5 1-3 Epithelium Epithelium (PMX-1) hours (21 total doses) II Abraded Intact Oligomer 2 Every 15 minutes for 5 4-6 Epithelium Epithelium (PMX-2) hours (21 total doses) III Abraded Intact Vancomycin Every 15 minutes for 5 7-9 Epithelium Epithelium (50 mg/ml) hours (21 total doses) (Van) IV Abraded Intact Tris-Buffered Every 15 minutes for 5 10-12 Epithelium Epithelium Saline hours (21 total doses) (Con) V Abraded Intact Sacrifice at None 13-15 Epithelium Epithelium Onset of Therapy (4 hours PI) (ONSET) Treatment was scheduled for every 15 minutes for 5 hours (21 total doses). However, PMX-1 and PMX-2 were exhausted after the 19^(th) dose. Therefore, the actual treatment was 15 minutes for 4.5 hours (19 total doses). The 3 rabbits in group V were sacrificed 4 hours PI and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were done on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas at the onset of therapy. Following the completion of therapy, the eyes were examined for clinical signs of infection. One hour after the final treatment, the treated rabbits (Groups I-IV) were sacrificed and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were performed on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas after treatment. The next morning, the plates were counted and the number of cfu/eye of Staphylococcus aureus was determined for each cornea.

Formulations: 1) Oligomer 2 (PMX-1): Oligomer 2 powder, on the day of treatment, was dissolved in 5 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) before use. The solution was stored at room temperature during the 5 hours of use. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode. This solution was designated PMX-1. 2) Oligomer 2 (PMX-2): Oligomer 2 powder, on the day of treatment, was dissolved in 5 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) before use. The solution was stored at room temperature during the 5 hours of use. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode. This solution was designated PMX-2. 3) 5% Vancomycin (50 mg/ml): Vancomycin (50 mg/ml) eye drops was purchased from the UPMC pharmacy as the fortified preparation used in patients. Vancomycin was administered using is supplied dropper bottle. 4) Control (Tris-Buffered Saline): 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode.

IACUC Protocol #0701145 “The In Vivo Evaluation of Biomimetics as Topical Ocular Antibiotics”.

MIC Characterization of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain K950 Antibiotic MIC [μg/ml] (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) Oligomer 2 0.25 μg/ml Vancomycin   2 μg/ml Drop Schedule Drop # Time Time of Day  1 0  9:30  2  :15  9:45  3  :30 10:00  4  :45 10:15  5 1:00 10:30  6 1:15 10:45  7 1:30 11:00  8 1:45 11:15  9 2:00 11:30 10 2:15 11:45 11 2:30 12:00 12 2:45 12:15 13 3:00 12:30 14 3:15 12:45 15 3:30  1:00 16 3:45  1:15 17 4:00  1:30 18 4:15  1:45 19 4:30   2:00** **Drops were stopped after Drop 19 because all of the PMX-1 and PMX-2 solutions were used at that time. Sacrifice rabbits 1 hour after final drop (3:00).

Definitions of Abbreviations

PMX-1-IE Oligomer 2 with Intact Epithelium PMX-1-AE Oligomer 2 with Abraded Epithelium PMX-2-IE Oligomer 2 with Intact Epithelium PMX-2-AE Oligomer 2 with Abraded Epithelium VAN-IE 5% Vancomycin with Intact Epithelium VAN-AE 5% Vancomycin with Abraded Epithelium CON-AE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Abraded Epithelium CON-IE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Intact Epithelium

Clinical Evaluation - Results Corneal Corneal Total Eye Group Conj. Chemosis Discharge Iritis Edema Infiltrate Score 1R PMX-1-IE 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 14.0 2R PMX-1-IE 3.0 3.0 2.5 0.5 1.0 2.5 12.5 3R PMX-1-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 0.5 1.5 2.5 14.5 1L PMX-1-AE 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.5 2.5 1.0 13.0 2L PMX-1-AE 3.0 3.0 3.0 0.5 1.0 0 10.5 3L PMX-1-AE 2.0 2.0 3.0 0.5 1 0.5 9.0 4R PMX-2-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.5 2.0 15.5 5R PMX-2-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 15.5 6R PMX-2-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 0.5 2.0 2.0 13.5 4L PMX-2-AE 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0 12.0 5L PMX-2-AE 3.0 3.0 2.5 1.0 2.0 0 11.5 6L PMX-2-AE 3.0 3.0 2.5 1.0 1.0 0 10.5 7R VAN-IE 2.5 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0 11.5 8R VAN-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0 12.0 9R VAN-IE 3.0 3.0 2.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 11.0 7L VAN-AE 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 11.0 8L VAN-AE 2.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0 9.5 9L VAN-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.0 0 10.0 10R  CON-IE 1.5 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.5 8.5 11R  CON-IE 1.0 0 0 0.5 2.0 2.5 6.0 12R  CON-IE 0 0 0 1.5 1.0 2.5 5.0 10L  CON-AE 1.5 2.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 7.5 11L  CON-AE 1.5 2.0 0.5 0.5 0 0.5 5.0 12L  CON-AE 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 6.5 Scale 0 = Normal; 0.5 = Trace; 1.0 = Mild; 1.5 = Mild/Moderate; 2.0 = Moderate; 2.5 = Moderate/Severe; 3.0 = Severe

Clinical Evaluation - Statistics Descriptive Statistics Total Ocular Score Variable N Mean Median TrMean StDev SE Mean PMX-1-IE Score 3 13.667 14.000 13.667 1.041 0.601 PMX-1-AE Score 3 10.83 10.50 10.83 2.02 1.17 PMX-2-IE Score 3 14.833 15.500 14.833 1.155 0.667 PMX-2-AE Score 3 11.333 11.500 11.333 0.764 0.441 VAN-IE Score 3 11.500 11.500 11.500 0.500 0.289 VAN-AE Score 3 10.167 10.000 10.167 0.764 0.441 CON-IE Score 3 6.50 6.00 6.50 1.80 1.04 CON-AE Score 3 6.333 6.500 6.333 1.258 0.726

Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Total Score Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 CON-IE Sco 3.5000 2, 2 CON-AE Sco 3.5000 1, 3 VAN-AE Sco 9.8333 4, 5, 6, 4 PMX-1-AE S 12.1667 3, 5, 6, P = 0.05 5 PMX-2-AE S 13.8333 3, 4, 6, 6 VAN-IE Sco 14.5000 3, 4, 5, 7 PMX-1-IE S 20.3333 8, 8 PMX-2-IE S 22.3333 7, CON IE = CON AE < VAN AE = PMX-1AE = PMX-2AE = VAN IE < PMX-1 IE = PMX-2 IE

Microbiological Results Inoculum = 1048 cfu/cornea Data Display CFU/ml Row PMX-1-IE PMX-1-AE PMX-2-IE PMX-2-AE 1 1700000 35 130000 5 2 16400 2380 1550000 100 3 10300000 750 15600000 0 VAN- VAN- Row IE AE CON-IE CON-AE Onset-IE Onset-AE 1 550 200 16000000 1200000 90000000 79500 2 450 700 3550000 85000 140000 32000 3 600 750 8700000 7500000 98000 110000 Log₁₀ CFU/ml Log Row PMX-1-IE Log PMX-1-AE Log PMX-2-IE Log PMX-2-AE 1 6.23045 1.54407 5.11394 0.69897 2 4.21484 3.37658 6.19033 2.00000 3 7.01284 2.87506 7.19312 0.00000 Row VAN-IE Log VAN-AE Log CON-IE Log CON-AE Log 1 2.74036 2.30103 7.20412 6.07918 2 2.65321 2.84510 6.55023 4.92942 3 2.77815 2.87506 6.93952 6.87506 Row Onset-IE Log Onset-AE Log 1 7.95424 4.90037 2 5.14613 4.50515 3 4.99123 5.04139 Descriptive Statistics Log₁₀ CFU/ml Variable N Mean Median TrMean StDev SE Mean PMX-1-IE 3 5.819 6.230 5.819 1.444 0.833 PMX-1-AE 3 2.599 2.875 2.599 0.947 0.547 PMX-2-IE 3 6.166 6.190 6.166 1.040 0.600 PMX-2-AE 3 0.900 0.699 0.900 1.015 0.586 VAN-IE Log 3 2.7239 2.7404 2.7239 0.0641 0.0370 VAN-AE Log 3 2.674 2.845 2.674 0.323 0.187 CON-IE Log 3 6.898 6.940 6.898 0.329 0.190 CON-AE Log 3 5.961 6.079 5.961 0.978 0.565 Onset-IE Log 3 6.031 5.146 6.031 1.668 0.963 Onset-AE Log 3 4.816 4.900 4.816 0.278 0.160

Microbiological Results - Intact Epithelium One-way Analysis of Variance Log₁₀ CFU/ml Analysis of Variance for Counts I Source DF SS MS F P Rx Corn  4 31.45 7.86 6.49 0.008 Error 10 12.12 1.21 Total 14 43.57

Pooled StDev = 1.101 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 Fisher's pairwise comparisons Family error rate = 0.245 Individual error rate = 0.0500 Critical value = 2.228 Intervals for (column level mean) − (row level mean) CON Onset PMX-1 PMX-2 Onset −1.135 2.870 PMX-1 −0.924 −1.791 3.081 2.214 PMX-2 −1.270 −2.138 −2.349 2.735 1.867 1.656 VAN 2.172 1.304 1.093 1.439 6.177 5.309 5.098 5.444 VAN < PMX-1 = ONSET = PMX-2 = CON

Microbiological Results - Intact Epithelium Power and Sample Size One-way ANOVA Sigma = 1.101 Alpha = 0.05 Number of Levels = 5 Corrected Sum of Squares of Means = 10.4840 Means = 6.898, 6.031, 5.819, 6.166, 2.724 Sample Size Power 3 0.9137 Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 VAN-IE Log 2.0000 2 PMX-1-IE L 8.3333 3, 4, 5, 3 PMX-2-IE L 9.0000 2, 4, 5, P = 0.05 4 Onset-IE L 9.0000 2, 3, 5, 5 CON-IE Log 11.6667 2, 3, 4, VAN < PMX-1 = PMX-2 = ONSET = CON

Microbiological Results - Abraded Epithelium One-way Analysis of Variance Log₁₀ CFU/ml Analysis of Variance for Counts A Source DF SS MS F P Rx Corn  4 47.954 11.989 19.55 0.000 Error 10  6.131  0.613 Total 14 54.086

Pooled StDev = 0.7830 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 Fisher's pairwise comparisons Family error rate = 0.245 Individual error rate = 0.0500 Critical value = 2.228 Intervals for (column level mean) − (row level mean) CON Onset PMX-1 PMX-2 Onset −0.2788 2.5700 PMX-1 1.9382 0.7926 4.7871 3.6415 PMX-2 3.6371 2.4916 0.2745 6.4860 5.3404 3.1233 VAN 1.8631 0.7175 −1.4996 −3.1985 4.7119 3.5663 1.3493 −0.3496 PMX-2 < PMX-1 = VAN < ONSET = CON

Microbiological Results - Abraded Epithelium Power and Sample Size One-way ANOVA Sigma = 0.783 Alpha = 0.05 Number of Levels = 5 Corrected Sum of Squares of Means = 16.0707 Means = 5.9612, 4.8456, 2.5986, 0.8997, 2.6737 Sample Size Power 3 1.0000 Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 PMX-2-AE L 2.3333 2, 3, 2 VAN-AE Log 6.1667 1, 3, 3 PMX-1-AE L 6.5000 1, 2, P = 0.05 4 Onset-AE L 11.3333 5, 5 CON-AE Log 13.6667 4, PMX-2 = VAN = PMX-1 < ONSET = CON

Microbiological Results - Intact vs. Abraded Epithelium N Mean StDev SE Mean Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX-1 Two sample T for PMX-1-IE Log vs PMX-1-AE Log PMX-1-IE 3 5.82 1.44 0.83 PMX-1-AE 3 2.599 0.947 0.55 95% CI for mu PMX-1-IE-mu PMX-1-AE: (0.05, 6.39) T-Test mu PMX-1-IE = mu PMX-1-AE (vs not =): T = 3.23 P = 0.048 DF = 3 Abraded < Intact Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX-2 Two sample T for PMX-2-IE Log vs PMX-2-AE Log PMX-2-IE 3 6.17 1.04 0.60 PMX-2-AE 3 0.90 1.01 0.59 95% CI for mu PMX-2-IE-mu PMX-2-AE: (2.60, 7.94) T-Test mu PMX-2-IE = mu PMX-2-AE (vs not =): T = 6.28 P = 0.0082 DF = 3 Abraded < Intact Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - VAN Two sample T for VAN-IE Log vs VAN-AE Log VAN-IE L 3 2.7239 0.0641 0.037 VAN-AE L 3 2.674 0.323 0.19 95% CI for mu VAN-IE L-mu VAN-AE L: (−0.768, 0.87) T-Test mu VAN-IE L = mu VAN-AE L (vs not =): T = 0.26 P = 0.82 NS DF = 2 Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - CON Two sample T for CON-IE Log vs CON-AE Log CON-IE L 3 6.898 0.329 0.19 CON-AE L 3 5.961 0.978 0.56 95% CI for mu CON-IE L-mu CON-AE L: (−1.63, 3.50) T-Test mu CON-IE L = mu CON-AE L (vs not =): T = 1.57 P = 0.26 NS DF = 2

Microbiological Results - Intact vs. Abraded Epithelium Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - Onset Two sample T for Onset-IE Log vs Onset-AE Log N Mean StDev SE Mean Onset-IE 3 6.03 1.67 0.96 Onset-AE 3 4.816 0.278 0.16 95% CI for mu Onset-IE - mu Onset-AE: (−2.99, 5.42) T-Test mu Onset-IE = mu Onset-AE (vs not =): T = 1.24 P = 0.34 NS DF = 2

Summary of Statistical Comparisons for Microbiological Data < = Significantly Fewer Colony Counts Effect of Abraded Epithelium on Effectiveness of Each Test Solution or Onset Control PMX-1 Abraded < Intact PMX-1 Abraded < Intact Vancomycin Abraded = Intact Saline Control Abraded = Intact Onset of Therapy Control Abraded = Intact Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Intact Epithelium PMX-1 = PMX-2 PMX-1 = Saline Control PMX-2 = Saline Control Vancomycin < Saline Control Vancomycin < PMX-1 Vancomycin < PMX-2 Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX-1 < Saline Control PMX-2 < Saline Control PMX-2 < PMX-1 Vancomycin < Saline Control PMX-1 = Vancomycin PMX-2 < Vancomycin

Summary of Results

PMX-1 and PMX-2 were effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model only when the corneal epithelium was removed from the corneas. PMX-2 was more effective than 5% vancomycin in reducing colony counts fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model only when the corneal epithelium was removed from the corneas. PMX-1 was as effective as 5% vancomycin in reducing colony counts fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model only when the corneal epithelium was removed from the corneas. PMX-1 and PMX-2 induced toxicity similar to 5% vancomycin as manifested by higher Total Ocular Scores compared with the Saline treated eyes in eyes with intact corneal epithelia. Removal of the epithelium increased the Total Ocular Scores of eyes treated 1% and 0.5% Oligomer 2 compared with the Total Ocular Scores of eyes treated with of 1% and 0.5% Oligomer 2 with intact epithelia.

The biomimetic Oligomer 2 was effective in reducing the number fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model. However, Oligomer 2 was effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts only when the corneal epithelium was removed. This suggests that Oligomer 2 does not penetrate the corneal epithelium into the corneal stroma. In the current study, PMX-1 and PMX-2 induced greater toxicity in infected rabbit eyes compared with the Mildly Irritating toxicity induced in uninfected rabbit eyes in experiment PMX-Tox-1.

Example 10 Ker-2

One purpose of the following experiments was to compare the efficacy of 0.25% Oligomer 2, with and without 0.005% benzalkonium chloride, and 5% vancomycin in the treatment of a fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the NZW rabbit keratitis model with or without intact corneal epithelia. The 0.005% benzalkonium chloride has been added to try to increase the penetration of 0.25% Oligomer 2 through the corneal epithelium.

Fifteen rabbits were received from Myrtles' Rabbitry, Thompson Station, Tenn. The clinical isolate of fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus (K950) was subcultured on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated at 37° C. in 6% CO₂ overnight. The next morning, the MRSA strain was suspended in sterile trypticase soy broth to a 0.5 McFarland Standard, containing approximately 5×10⁸ cfu/ml of bacteria. The absorbance of the suspension was measured at 650 nm using a Beckman DU-70 spectrophotometer. OD readings of 0.07 corresponded to 5×10⁸ cfu/ml of bacteria. This concentration was appropriately diluted in sterile trypticase soy broth to provide the inoculum of approximately 1,000 (1.0×10³) cfu/eye in 25 μl. Colony counts were performed on the inoculum to determine the actual cfu inoculated. Following general anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine and topical anesthesia with proparacaine and prior to bacterial inoculation in the left eyes, 6 mm areas of the corneal epithelia was removed centrally with an Amoils epithelial scrubber. Nothing was done to the right eyes. The 15 rabbits were then inoculated intrastromally in both eyes with 25 μl of the bacterial dilution of approximately 10³ cfu/eye of the bacteria. The bacterial inoculation of the left eyes was directly under the epithelial defect created by the Amoils epithelial scrubber. The epithelia were removed in the left corneas in order to determine whether this layer of the cornea is a barrier for Oligomer 2 penetration when compared to the right cornea with an intact epithelium. A colony count was done on the inoculum to determine the actual cfu inoculated. The rabbits were immediately treated with analgesia in the form of and intramuscular injection of ketoprofen, 1.5 mg/kg. After 4 hours, the 15 rabbits were divided into 4 treatment groups and one untreated control group sacrificed at the onset of therapy. Both eyes of each rabbit of the treatment groups were treated with one 37 μl drop of the solutions or control Saline or 1 drop of vancomycin from its dropper bottle.

Groups:

Group Left Eye Right Eye Rx-Both Eyes Treatment Regimen Rabbit # I Abraded Intact 0.25% Oligomer Every 15 minutes 1-3 Epithelium Epithelium 2 (PMX) for 5 hours (21 total doses) II Abraded Intact 0.25% Oligomer Every 15 minutes 4-6 Epithelium Epithelium 2 with 0.005% for 5 hours (21 total BAK (PMX-B) doses) III Abraded Intact Vancomycin Every 15 minutes 7-9 Epithelium Epithelium (50 mg/ml) for 5 hours (21 total (Van) doses) IV Abraded Intact Tris-Buffered Every 15 minutes 10-12 Epithelium Epithelium Saline (Con) for 5 hours (21 total doses) V Abraded Intact Sacrifice at None 13-15 Epithelium Epithelium Onset of Therapy (4 hours PI) (ONSET) Treatment was scheduled for every 15 minutes for 5 hours (21 total doses). The 3 rabbits in group V were sacrificed 4 hours PI and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were done on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas at the onset of therapy. Following the completion of therapy, the eyes were examined for clinical signs of infection. One hour after the final treatment, the treated rabbits (Groups I-IV) were sacrificed and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were performed on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas after treatment. The next morning, the plates were counted and the number of cfu/eye of Staphylococcus aureus was determined for each cornea.

Formulations: 1) 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX): Oligomer 2 Powder (Lot 8-15.1 mg), on the day of treatment, was dissolved in 6.04 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) to yield 0.25% Oligomer 2. The solution was stored at room temperature during the 5 hours of use. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode. This solution was designated PMX. 2) 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) (PMX-B): Oligomer 2 Powder (Lot 8-15.8 mg), on the day of treatment, was dissolved in 6.288 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) before use. Then, 0.032 ml (32 μl) of 1% Benzalkonium Chloride was added to the solution to yield a total volume of 6.32 ml of 0.25% Oligomer 2. The solution was stored at room temperature during the 5 hours of use. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode. This solution was designated PMX-B. 3) 5% Vancomycin (50 mg/ml): Vancomycin (50 mg/ml) eye drops were purchased from the UPMC pharmacy as the fortified preparation used in patients. Vancomycin was administered using is supplied dropper bottle. 4) Control (Tris-Buffered Saline): 37 μl drops of Tris-Buffered Saline were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode.

IACUC Protocol #0701145 “The In Vivo Evaluation of Biomimetics as Topical Ocular Antibiotics”.

MIC Characterization of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain K950 Antibiotic MIC [μg/ml] (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) Oligomer 2 0.25 μg/ml Vancomycin 2 μg/ml Drop Schedule Drop # Time Time of Day  1 0  9:30  2  :15  9:45  3  :30 10:00  4  :45 10:15  5 1:00 10:30  6 1:15 10:45  7 1:30 11:00  8 1:45 11:15  9 2:00 11:30 10 2:15 11:45 11 2:30 12:00 12 2:45 12:15 13 3:00 12:30 14 3:15 12:45 15 3:30  1:00 16 3:45  1:15 17 4:00  1:30 18 4:15  1:45 19 4:30  2:00 20 4:45  2:15 21 5:00  2:30 Sacrifice rabbits 1 hour after final drop (3:00).

Definitions of Abbreviations

PMX-IE 0.25% Oligomer 2 with Intact Epithelium PMX-AE 0.25% Oligomer 2 with Abraded Epithelium PMX-B-IE 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% BAK with Intact Epithelium PMX-B-AE 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% BAK with Abraded Epithelium VAN-IE 5% Vancomycin with Intact Epithelium VAN-AE 5% Vancomycin with Abraded Epithelium CON-AE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Abraded Epithelium CON-IE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Intact Epithelium

PMX 0.25% Oligomer 2

PMX-B 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% BAK

Clinical Evaluation - Results Corneal Corneal Total Eye Group Conj. Chemosis Discharge Iritis Edema Infiltrate Score  1R PMX-IE 3.0 3.0 2.5 1.0 1.5 2.5 13.5  2R PMX-IE 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 13.5  3R PMX-IE 2.5 3.0 2.5 1.5 1.5 2.5 13.5  1L PMX-AE 3.0 2.0 2.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 10.0  2L PMX-AE 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 0 10.5  3L PMX-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 0.5 0.5 0 8.5  4R PMX-B-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 14.5  5R PMX-B-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 0.5 2.5 14.0  6R PMX-B-IE 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 2.5 13.5  4L PMX-B-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 1.0 0 10.5  5L PMX-B-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.0 1.0 0 9.5  6L PMX-B-AE 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.0 0.5 0 9.5  7R VAN-IE 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 10.0  8R VAN-IE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 0.5 0 9.5  9R VAN-IE 2.5 2.5 2.5 0.5 0.5 0 8.5  7L VAN-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 9.5  8L VAN-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.0 1.0 0 9.5  9L VAN-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 0.5 1.0 0 9.0 10R CON-IE 0.5 0 1.0 0.5 0.5 3.0 5.5 11R CON-IE 2.0 0.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 12.0 12R CON-IE 1.5 0 2.5 2.0 0.5 3.0 9.5 10L CON-AE 2.0 1.5 2.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 11.5 11L CON-AE 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 8.5 12L CON-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 10.5 Scale 0 = Normal; 0.5 = Trace; 1.0 = Mild; 1.5 = Mild/Moderate; 2.0 = Moderate; 2.5 = Moderate/Severe; 3.0 = Severe

Clinical Evaluation - Statistics Descriptive Statistics Total Ocular Score Variable N Mean Median TrMean StDev SE Mean PMX-IE Score 3 13.500 13.500 13.500 0.000 0.000 PMX-AE Score 3 9.667 10.000 9.667 1.041 0.601 PMX-B-IE Score 3 14.000 14.000 14.000 0.500 0.289 PMX-B-AE Score 3 9.833 9.500 9.833 0.577 0.333 VAN-IE Score 3 9.333 9.500 9.333 0.764 0.441 VAN-AE Score 3 9.333 9.500 9.333 0.289 0.167 CON-IE Score 3 9.00 9.50 9.00 3.28 1.89 CON-AE Score 3 10.167 10.500 10.167 1.528 0.882

Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Total Score Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 VAN-AE Sco 7.3333 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 2 VAN-IE Sco 8.0000 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 3 CON-IE Sco 9.1667 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, P = 0.05 4 PMX-AE Sco 10.1667 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 5 PMX-B-AE S 10.6667 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6 CON-AE Sco 11.6667 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 PMX-IE Sco 20.5000 8, 8 PMX-B-IE S 22.5000 7, VAN-AE = VAN-IE = CON-IE = PMX-AE = PMX-B-AE = CON AE < PMX-IE = PMX-B-IE

Median Total Ocular Score Treatment Abraded (score) Intact (score) PMX 10 13.5 PMX-B 9.5 14 Vancomycin 9.5 9.5 Control 10.5 9.5

Microbiological Results Inoculum = 1371 cfu/cornea Data Display CFU/ml Row PMX-IE PMX-AE PMX-B-IE PMX-B-AE 1 4750000 5 11000000 13500 2 4450000 8900 15350000 80 3 9650000 1200 12850000 190 Onset- Onset- Row VAN-IE VAN-AE CON-IE CON-AE IE AE 1 71000 550 5250000 3300000 100500 63000 2 2200 200 13200000 510000 77000 74500 3 350 600 14600000 965000 93500 44500 Data Display Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row PMX-IE Log PMX-AE Log PMX-B-IE Log PMX-B-AE Log 1 6.67669 0.69897 7.04139 4.13033 2 6.64836 3.94939 7.18611 1.90309 3 6.98453 3.07918 7.10890 2.27875 Row VAN-IE Log VAN-AE Log CON-IE Log CON-AE Log 1 4.85126 2.74036 6.72016 6.51851 2 3.34242 2.30103 7.12057 5.70757 3 2.54407 2.77815 7.16435 5.98453 Row Onset-IE Log Onset-AE Log 1 5.00217 4.79934 2 4.88649 4.87216 3 4.97081 4.64836 Descriptive Statistics Log₁₀ CFU/ml Variable N Mean Median TrMean StDev SE Mean PMX-IE Log 3 6.770 6.677 6.770 0.186 0.108 PMX-AE Log 3 2.576 3.079 2.576 1.683 0.971 PMX-B-IE Log 3 7.1121 7.1089 7.1121 0.0724 0.0418 PMX-B-AE Log 3 2.771 2.279 2.771 1.192 0.688 VAN-IE Log 3 3.579 3.342 3.579 1.172 0.676 VAN-AE Log 3 2.607 2.740 2.607 0.265 0.153 CON-IE Log 3 7.002 7.121 7.002 0.245 0.141 CON-AE Log 3 6.070 5.985 6.070 0.412 0.238 Onset-IE Log 3 4.9532 4.9708 4.9532 0.0598 0.0345 Onset-AE Log 3 4.7733 4.7993 4.7733 0.1142 0.0659

Fisher's pairwise comparisons Family error rate = 0.245 Individual error rate = 0.0500 Critical value = 2.228 Intervals for (column level mean) - (row level mean) CON Onset PMX PMX-B Onset 1.0600 3.0370 PMX −0.7567  −2.8052  1.2203 −0.8282  PMX-B −1.0989  −3.1475  −1.3308  0.8781 −1.1705  0.6462 VAN 2.4339 0.3854 2.2021 2.5444 4.4110 2.3624 4.1791 4.5214 VAN < ONSET = PMX = CON = PMX-B

Microbiological Results - Intact Epithelium Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 VAN-IE Log 2.0000 2, 2 Onset-IE L 5.0000 1, 3 PMX-IE Log 8.3333 4, 5, P = 0.05 4 CON-IE Log 12.0000 3, 5, 5 PMX-B-IE L 12.6667 3, 4, VAN = ONSET < PMX = CON = PMX-B

Fisher's pairwise comparisons Family error rate = 0.245 Individual error rate = 0.0500 Critical value = 2.228 Intervals for (column level mean) - (row level mean) CON Onset PMX PMX-B Onset −0.4301  3.0239 PMX 1.7673 0.4704 5.2214 3.9244 PMX-B 1.5725 0.2756 −1.9219  5.0265 3.7296 1.5321 VAN 1.7367 0.4398 −1.7577  −1.5628  5.1907 3.8938 1.6963 1.8912 VAN = PMX = PMX-B < ONSET = CON

Microbiological Results - Abraded Epithelium Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 PMX-B-AE L 4.6667 2, 3, 4, 2 VAN-AE Log 5.0000 1, 3, 4, P = 0.05 3 PMX-AE Log 5.3333 1, 2, 4, 4 Onset-AE L 11.0000 1, 2, 3, 5, 5 CON-AE Log 14.0000 4, PMX-B = VAN = PMX < CON; All Groups = ONSET

Microbiological Results - Intact vs. Abraded Epithelium N Mean StDev SE Mean Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX Two sample T for PMX-IE Log vs PMX-AE Log PMX-IE L 3 6.770 0.186 0.11 PMX-AE L 3 2.58 1.68 0.97 95% CI for mu PMX-IE L-mu PMX-AE L: (−0.01, 8.40) T-Test mu PMX-IE L = mu PMX-AE L (vs not =): T = 4.29 P = 0.050 DF = 2 Abraded < Intact Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX-B Two sample T for PMX-B-IE Log vs PMX-B-AE Log PMX-B-IE 3 7.1121 0.0724 0.042 PMX-B-AE 3 2.77 1.19 0.69 95% CI for mu PMX-B-IE-mu PMX-B-AE: (1.374, 7.31) T-Test mu PMX-B-IE = mu PMX-B-AE (vs not =): T = 6.29 P = 0.024 DF = 2 Abraded < Intact Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - VAN Two sample T for VAN-IE Log vs VAN-AE Log VAN-IE L 3 3.58 1.17 0.68 VAN-AE L 3 2.607 0.265 0.15 95% CI for mu VAN-IE L-mu VAN-AE L: (−2.01, 3.96) T-Test mu VAN-IE L = mu VAN-AE L (vs not =): T = 1.40 P = 0.30 NS DF = 2 Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - CON Two sample T for CON-IE Log vs CON-AE Log CON-IE L 3 7.002 0.245 0.14 CON-AE L 3 6.070 0.412 0.24 95% CI for mu CON-IE L-mu CON-AE L: (0.05, 1.81) T-Test mu CON-IE L = mu CON-AE L (vs not =): T = 3.37 P = 0.044 DF = 3 Abraded < Intact Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - Onset Two sample T for Onset-IE Log vs Onset-AE Log Onset-IE 3 4.9532 0.0598 0.035 Onset-AE 3 4.773 0.114 0.066 95% CI for mu Onset-IE-mu Onset-AE: (−0.057, 0.417) T-Test mu Onset-IE = mu Onset-AE (vs not =): T = 2.42 P = 0.094 NS DF = 3

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 2 w/o BAK vs. w/ BAK - Intact Epithelium Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX-IE vs. PMX-B-IE Two sample T for PMX-IE Log vs PMX-B-IE Log N Mean StDev SE Mean PMX-IE L 3 6.770 0.186 0.11 PMX-B-IE 3 7.1121 0.0724 0.042 95% CI for mu PMX-IE L-mu PMX-B-IE: (−0.84, 0.155) T-Test mu PMX-IE L = mu PMX-B-IE (vs not =): T = −2.96 P = 0.097 NS DF = 2

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 2 w/o BAK vs. w/ BAK - Abraded Epithelium Two Sample T-Test and Confidence Interval - PMX-AE vs. PMX-B-AE Two sample T for PMX-AE Log vs PMX-B-AE Log N Mean StDev SE Mean PMX-AE L 3 2.58 1.68 0.97 PMX-B-AE 3 2.77 1.19 0.69 95% CI for mu PMX-AE L-mu PMX-B-AE: (−3.98, 3.59) T-Test mu PMX-AE L = mu PMX-B-AE (vs not =): T = −0.16 P = 0.88 NS DF = 3

Summary of Statistical Comparisons for Microbiological Data < = Significantly Fewer Colony Counts Effect of Abraded Epithelium on Effectiveness of Each Test Solution or Onset Control PMX Abraded < Intact PMX-B Abraded < Intact Vancomycin Abraded = Intact Saline Control Abraded < Intact Onset of Therapy Control Abraded = Intact Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Intact Epithelium PMX = PMX-B PMX = Saline Control PMX-B = Saline Control Vancomycin < Saline Control Vancomycin < PMX Vancomycin < PMX-B Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX < Saline Control PMX-B < Saline Control PMX-B = PMX Vancomycin < Saline Control PMX = Vancomycin PMX-B = Vancomycin Effect of BAK on 0.25% Oligomer 2 on Corneas with Intact Epithelium PMX = PMX-B Effect of BAK on 0.25% Oligomer 2 on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX = PMX-B

Summary of Results

0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) (PMX-2) were effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model only when the corneal epithelium was removed from the corneas. There was no difference in fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model between 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) (PMX-2) with intact or abraded corneal epithelium. 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) (PMX-2) were as effective as 5% vancomycin in reducing colony counts fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model only when the corneal epithelium was removed from the corneas. 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) (PMX-2) induced toxicity that was worse than 5% vancomycin as manifested by higher Total Ocular Scores compared with the vancomycin and Saline treated eyes in eyes with intact corneal epithelia.

The biomimetic Oligomer 2 was effective in reducing the number fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model. This result was achieved using a lower concentration (0.25%) than in previous studies (1% and 0.5%). As in the previous studies, Oligomer 2 was effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts only when the corneal epithelium was removed. The addition of 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) did not aid in the penetration of 0.25% Oligomer 2 through the intact corneal epithelium to the site of the infection in the corneal stroma. In the current study, 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 0.005% benzalkonium chloride (BAK) (PMX-2) induced greater toxicity in infected rabbit eyes with intact corneal epithelium compared with 5% vancomycin and the Saline treated Control with intact corneal epithelium. As suggested in the previous study, additional studies using much lower concentrations of Oligomer 2 and/or different formulations should be considered in order to reduce its toxicity, yet retain efficacy in the fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NZW rabbit keratitis model.

Example 11 Ker-3

One purpose of the following experiments was to determine the efficacy of 0.25% Oligomer 4, with and without 200 μM Farnesol, and 200 μM Farnesol in the treatment of a fluoroquinolone-resistant and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the NZW rabbit keratitis model with or without intact corneal epithelia. The 200 μM Farnesol has been added to try to increase the efficacy and penetration of 0.25% Oligomer 4 through the corneal epithelium.

Fifteen rabbits were received from Myrtles' Rabbitry, Thompson Station, Tenn. The clinical isolate of fluoroquinolone-resistant and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus (K950) was subcultured on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated at 37° C. in 6% CO₂ overnight. The next morning, the MRSA strain was suspended in sterile trypticase soy broth to a 0.5 McFarland Standard, containing approximately 5×10⁸ CFU/ml of bacteria. The absorbance of the suspension was measured at 650 nm using a Beckman DU-70 spectrophotometer. OD readings of 0.07 corresponded to 5×10⁸ CFU/ml of bacteria. This concentration was appropriately diluted in sterile trypticase soy broth to provide the inoculum of approximately 1,000 (1.0×10³) CFU/eye in 25 μl. Colony counts were performed on the inoculum to determine the actual CFU inoculated. Following general anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine and topical anesthesia with proparacaine and prior to bacterial inoculation in the left eyes, 6 mm areas of the corneal epithelia were removed centrally from the left eyes with an Amoils epithelial scrubber. Nothing was done to the right eyes. The 15 rabbits the were then inoculated intrastromally in both eyes with 25 μl of the bacterial dilution of approximately 10³ cfu/eye of the bacteria. The bacterial inoculation of the left eyes was directly under the epithelial defect created by the Amoils epithelial scrubber. The epithelia were removed in the left corneas in order to determine whether this layer of the cornea is a barrier for drug penetration when compared to the right cornea with an intact epithelium. A colony count was done on the inoculum to determine the actual CFU inoculated. The rabbits were immediately treated with analgesia in the form of an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen, 1.5 mg/kg. After 4 hours, the 15 rabbits were divided into 4 treatment groups and one untreated control group sacrificed at the onset of therapy. Both eyes of each rabbit of the treatment groups were treated with one 37 μl drop of the solutions or control Saline.

Groups:

Rx-Both Group Left Eye Right Eye Eyes Treatment Regimen Rabbit # I Abraded Intact 0.25% Every 15 minutes for 1-3 Epithelium Epithelium Oligomer 4 5 hours (21 total (PMX) doses) II Abraded Intact 0.25% Every 15 minutes for 4-6 Epithelium Epithelium Oligomer 4 + 5 hours (21 total 200 μM doses) Farnesol (P + F) III Abraded Intact 200 μM Every 15 minutes for 7-9 Epithelium Epithelium Farnesol 5 hours (21 total (FARN) doses) IV Abraded Intact Tris- Every 15 minutes for 10-12 Epithelium Epithelium Buffered 5 hours (21 total Saline doses) (CON) V Abraded Intact Sacrifice at None 13-15 Epithelium Epithelium Onset of Therapy (4 hours PI) (ONSET) Treatment was scheduled for every 15 minutes for 5 hours (21 total doses). The 3 rabbits in group V were sacrificed 4 hours PI and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were done on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas at the onset of therapy. Following the completion of therapy, the eyes were examined for clinical signs of infection. One hour after the final treatment, the treated rabbits (Groups I-IV) were sacrificed and large 9.5 mm buttons were removed from the corneas. These were placed in 1 ml of PBS and kept on ice. The corneal buttons were homogenized for 25 seconds on ice using the motorized homogenizer. After homogenization, colony counts were done on the homogenates using 5% sheep blood agar plates to determine the amount of bacteria contained in the corneas after treatment. The next morning, the plates were counted and the number of CFU/eye of Staphylococcus aureus was determined for each cornea.

Formulations: 1) 0.25% Oligomer 2 (PMX): Tube G1 of Oligomer 2 powder was stored at 4° C. until use. Upon use, the tube was removed from the refrigerator and 3.28 ml of SI (sterile water for injection) was added and vortexed until the solid was completely dissolved. Then 3.28 ml of S2 (2×TBS) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds. This solution was designated PMX. 37 μl drops were instilled were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode; 2) 0.25% Oligomer 2 with 200 μM Farnesol (P+F): Tube G2 of Oligomer 2 powder was stored at 4° C. until use. Upon use, the tube was removed from the refrigerator and 3.33 ml of SI (sterile water for injection) was added and vortexed until the solid was completely dissolved. Then 3.33 ml of S3 (400 μM Farnesol+2% Propylene Glycol in 2×TBS) was added and vortexed for 10 seconds. This solution was designated P+F. 37 μl drops were instilled were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode; 3) 200 μM Farnesol (FARN): Tube G3 containing about 8 ml of 200 μM Farnesol in 1% Propylene Glycol (PG) and TBS was stored at 4° C. until use. This solution was designated FARN. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode; 4) Control (Tris-Buffered Saline, CON): Tube G4 containing about 8 ml of Tris-Buffered Saline (10 mM TRIS, 150 mM NaCl, pH=7.4) was stored at 4° C. until use. This solution was designated CON. 37 μl drops were instilled using a Rainin EDP electronic pipet set in the multi-dispense mode.

IACUC Protocol #0701145-1. “The In Vivo Evaluation of Biomimetics as Topical Ocular Antibiotics”.

MIC Characterization of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain K950 Antibiotic MIC [μg/ml] (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) Oligomer 4 0.5 μg/ml Drop Schedule Drop # Time Time of Day  1 0  9:30  2  :15  9:45  3  :30 10:00  4  :45 10:15  5 1:00 10:30  6 1:15 10:45  7 1:30 11:00  8 1:45 11:15  9 2:00 11:30 10 2:15 11:45 11 2:30 12:00 12 2:45 12:15 13 3:00 12:30 14 3:15 12:45 15 3:30  1:00 16 3:45  1:15 17 4:00  1:30 18 4:15  1:45 19 4:30  2:00 20 4:45  2:15 21 5:00  2:30 Sacrifice rabbits 1 hour after final drop (3:30).

Definitions of Abbreviations

PMX-IE 0.25% Oligomer 4 with Intact Epithelium PMX-AE 0.25% Oligomer 4 with Abraded Epithelium P+F-IE 0.25% Oligomer 4+200 μM Farnesol with Intact Epithelium P+F-AE 0.25% Oligomer 4+200 μM Farnesol with Abraded Epithelium FARN-IE 200 μM Farnesol with Intact Epithelium FARN-AE 200 μM Farnesol with Abraded Epithelium CON-AE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Abraded Epithelium CON-IE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Intact Epithelium

Clinical Evaluation - Results Corneal Corneal Eye Group Conj. Chemosis Discharge Iritis Edema Infiltrate Total Score  1R PMX-IE 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 12.0  2R PMX-IE 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 0.5 9.0  3R PMX-IE 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 9.5  1L PMX-AE 2.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 1.5 0 11.0  2L PMX-AE 2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 0.5 0 9.5  3L PMX-AE 2.0 2.0 2.5 1.5 1.0 0 9.0  4R P + F-IE 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 6.5  5R P + F-IE 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.0 2.5 10.5  6R P + F-IE 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.0 1.0 1.5 11.0  4L P + F-AE 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.0 0 8.5  5L P + F-AE 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 1.0 0 10.5  6L P + F-AE 2.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 1.0 0 10.5  7R FARN-IE 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 2.0 9.0  8R FARN-IE 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 0.5 1.5 7.0  9R FARN-IE 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.0 2.0 9.5  7L FARN-AE 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 11.0  8L FARN-AE 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 7.5  9L FARN-AE 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 8.0 10R CON-IE 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 6.5 11R CON-IE 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 6.5 12R CON-IE 1.5 1.5 1.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 9.0 10L CON-AE 1.0 1.5 2.0 1.0 0.5 0 6.0 11L CON-AE 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 9.0 12L CON-AE 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 9.0 Scale 0 = Normal; 0.5 = Trace; 1.0 = Mild; 1.5 = Mild/Moderate; 2.0 = Moderate; 2.5 = Moderate/Severe; 3.0 = Severe

Clinical Evaluation - Statistics Descriptive Statistics Total Ocular Score Total Variable Count Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum PMX-IE Score 3 10.167 0.928 1.607 9.000 9.500 12.000 PMX-AE Score 3 9.833 0.601 1.041 9.000 9.500 11.000 P + F-IE Score 3 9.33 1.42 2.47 6.50 10.50 11.00 P + F-AE Score 3 9.833 0.667 1.155 8.500 10.500 10.500 FARN-IE Score 3 8.500 0.764 1.323 7.000 9.000 9.500 FARN-AE Score 3 8.83 1.09 1.89 7.50 8.00 11.00 CON-IE Score 3 7.333 0.833 1.443 6.500 6.500 9.000 CON-AE Score 3 8.00 1.00 1.73 6.00 9.00 9.00

Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Total Score Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 CON-IE Sco 5.8333 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2 CON-AE Sco 8.0000 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 3 FARN-IE Sc 10.8333 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 4 FARN-AE Sc 11.6667 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, P = 0.05 5 P + F-IE Sco 14.6667 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 6 P + F-AE Sco 15.3333 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 7 PMX-AE Sco 16.5000 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 8 PMX-IE Sco 17.1667 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, N0 Differences Among the Groups

Microbiological Results Inoculum = 1098 CFU/cornea Data Display CFU/ml Row PMX-IE PMX-AE P + F-IE P + F-AE FARN-IE FARN-AE CON-IE CON-AE 1 1650000 0 50 9500 45200000 7750000 115000000 30500 2 12500 12500 13600000 50 18600000 6650000 253000000 69000000 3 92000 350 5200000 8050 21400000 8250000  15000000 176000000 Row Onset-IE Onset-AE 1 75000 118000 2 59000 61000 3 55500 2500 Data Display Log₁₀ CFU/ml FARN-AE Row PMX-IE Log PMX-AE Log P + F-IE Log P + F-AE Log FARN-IE Log Log 1 6.21748 0.00000 1.69897 3.97772 7.65514 6.88930 2 4.09691 4.09691 7.13354 1.69897 7.26951 6.82282 3 4.96379 2.54407 6.71600 3.90580 7.33041 6.91645 Onset-IE Onset-AE Row CON-IE Log CON-AE Log Log Log 1 8.06070 4.48430 4.87506 5.07188 2 8.40312 7.83885 4.77085 4.78533 3 7.17609 8.24551 4.74429 3.39794 Descriptive Statistics Log₁₀ CFU/ml Total Variable Count Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum PMX-IE Log 3 5.093 0.616 1.066 4.097 4.964 6.217 PMX-AE Log 3 2.21 1.19 2.07 0.00 2.54 4.10 P + F-IE Log 3 5.18 1.75 3.02 1.70 6.72 7.13 P + F-AE Log 3 3.194 0.748 1.295 1.699 3.906 3.978 FARN-IE Log 3 7.418 0.120 0.207 7.270 7.330 7.655 FARN-AE Log 3 6.8762 0.0278 0.0482 6.8228 6.8893 6.9165 CON-IE Log 3 7.880 0.366 0.633 7.176 8.061 8.403 CON-AE Log 3 6.86 1.19 2.06 4.48 7.84 8.25 Onset-IE Log 3 4.7967 0.0399 0.0691 4.7443 4.7709 4.8751 Onset-AE Log 3 4.418 0.517 0.895 3.398 4.785 5.072

Microbiological Results - Intact Epithelium Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test - Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 Onset-IE L 4.0000 2, 3, 2 PMX-IE Log 5.0000 1, 3, 3 P + F-IE Log 6.0000 1, 2, P = 0.05 4 FARN-IE Lo 12.0000 5, 5 CON-IE Log 13.0000 4, ONSET = PMX = P + F < FARN = CON

Microbiological Results - Abraded Epithelium Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test - Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 PMX-AE Log 3.6667 2, 3, 2 P + F-AE Log 4.3333 1, 3, 3 Onset-AE L 7.6667 1, 2, P = 0.05 4 FARN-AE Lo 12.0000 5, 5 CON-AE Log 12.3333 4, PMX = P + F = ONSET < FARN = CON

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 4 w/o FARN vs. w/ FARN - Intact Epithelium Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-IE Log, P + F-IE Log N Median PMX-IE Log 3 4.964 P + F-IE Log 3 6.716 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.916 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−3.034, 4.518) W = 9.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.6625 NS

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 4 w/o FARN vs. w/ FARN - Abraded Epithelium Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-AE Log, P + F-AE Log N Median PMX-AE Log 3 2.544 P + F-AE Log 3 3.906 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −1.362 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−3.977, 2.399) W = 10.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 1.0000 NS

Microbiological Results - Intact vs. Abraded Epithelium N Median Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-IE Log, PMX-AE Log PMX-IE Log 3 4.964 PMX-AE Log 3 2.544 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 2.420 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.001, 6.218) W = 14.5 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.1266 The test is significant at 0.1212 NS (adjusted for ties) Mann-Whitney Test and CI: P + F-IE Log, P + F-AE Log P + F-IE Log 3 6.716 P + F-AE Log 3 3.906 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 2.810 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−2.277, 5.436) W = 12.5 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.5127 The test is significant at 0.5066 NS (adjusted for ties) Mann-Whitney Test and CI: FARN-IE Log, FARN-AE Log FARN-IE Log 3 7.3304 FARN-AE Log 3 6.8893 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 0.4467 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.3532, 0.8323) W = 15.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.0809 NS Mann-Whitney Test and CI: CON-IE Log, CON-AE Log CON-IE Log 3 8.061 CON-AE Log 3 7.839 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 0.222 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−1.070, 3.917) W = 12.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.6625 NS Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Onset-IE Log, Onset-AE Log Onset-IE Log 3 4.771 Onset-AE Log 3 4.785 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.015 91.9 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−0.328, 1.477) W = 10.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 1.0000 NS class = Section8>

Summary of Statistical Comparisons for Microbiological Data <= Significantly Fewer Colony Counts Effect of Abraded Epithelium on Effectiveness of Each Test Solution or Onset Control PMX Abraded = Intact P + F Abraded = Intact FARN Abraded = Intact Saline Control Abraded = Intact Onset of Therapy Control Abraded = Intact Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Intact Epithelium ONSET = PMX = P + F < FARN = CON Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX = P + F = ONSET < FARN = CON Effect of Farnesol on 0.25% Oligomer 4 on Corneas with Intact Epithelium PMX = P + F Effect of Farnesol on 0.25% Oligomer 4 on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX = P + F

Summary of Results

0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) were effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Saline Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model when the corneal epithelium was intact or removed from the corneas. 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) were not effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Onset of Therapy Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model when the corneal epithelium was intact or removed from the corneas. There was no difference in fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model between 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) with intact or abraded corneal epithelium. 200 mM Farnesol alone was NOT effective in reducing colony counts fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Saline Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model. 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) and 200 mM Farnesol alone did not induce statistically greater toxicity (as manifested by higher Total Ocular Scores) compared with the Saline treated eyes in eyes with intact or abraded corneal epithelia.

The biomimetic Oligomer 4 alone or in combination with 200 mM Farnesol were effective in reducing the number fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model compared with the Saline Control compared with the Saline Control. However, Oligomer 4 alone or in combination with 200 mM Farnesol were not effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts whether when the corneal epithelium was intact or removed compared with the Onset of Therapy Control in the fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NZW rabbit keratitis model indicating the compounds did not significantly reduce the bacterial load present at the onset of therapy. The addition of 200 mM Farnesol did not appear aid in the penetration of 0.25% Oligomer 4 through the intact corneal epithelium to the site of the infection in the corneal stroma nor enhance its antibacterial efficacy in the fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NZW rabbit keratitis model. In the current study, Oligomer 4 alone or in combination with 200 mM Farnesol did not induced significantly greater toxicity in infected rabbit eyes compared with the Saline treated Control in the fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NZW rabbit keratitis model. The results from this study essentially reproduce those obtained in previous studies.

Example 12 Ker-4 Definitions of Abbreviations

PMX-IE 0.25% Oligomer 4 with Intact Epithelium PMX-AE 0.25% Oligomer 4 with Abraded Epithelium P+F-IE 0.25% Oligomer 4+200 μM Farnesol with Intact Epithelium P+F-AE 0.25% Oligomer 4+200 μM Farnesol with Abraded Epithelium FARN-IE 200 μM Farnesol with Intact Epithelium FARN-AE 200 μM Farnesol with Abraded Epithelium CON-AE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Abraded Epithelium CON-IE Tris-Buffered Saline Control with Intact Epithelium

Clinical Evaluation - Statistics Data Display Total Ocular Score Row PMX-IE PMX-AE P + F-IE P + F-AE FARN-IE FARN-AE CON-IE CON-AE 1 6.5 9.5 13.0 9.5 10.0 11.0 9.5 10.0 2 13.0 10.5 8.0 8.5 10.0 8.5 11.0 14.0 Ker-3 3 16.5 12.0 12.5 10.0 8.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 4 12.0 11.0 6.5 8.5 9.0 11.0 6.5 6.0 5 9.0 9.5 10.5 10.5 7.0 7.5 6.5 9.0 Ker-4 6 9.5 9.0 11.0 10.5 9.5 8.0 9.0 9.0

Descriptive Statistics Total Ocular Score Total Variable Count Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum PMX-IE Score 6 11.08 1.43 3.51 6.50 10.75 16.50 PMX-AE Score 6 10.250 0.461 1.129 9.000 10.000 12.000 P + F-IE Score 6 10.25 1.04 2.54 6.50 10.75 13.00 P + F-AE Score 6 9.583 0.375 0.917 8.500 9.750 10.500 FARN-IE Score 6 9.000 0.465 1.140 7.000 9.250 10.000 FARN-AE Score 6 9.083 0.625 1.530 7.500 8.500 11.000 CON-IE Score 6 8.667 0.738 1.807 6.500 9.250 11.000 CON-AE Score 6 9.75 1.06 2.60 6.00 9.50 14.00

Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test Total Score Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 CON-IE Sco 18.5833 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2 FARN-AE Sc 19.5833 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 3 FARN-IE Sc 19.7500 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 4 P + F-AE Sco 24.2500 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, P = 0.05 5 CON-AE Sco 24.4167 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 6 P + F-IE Sco 29.0833 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 7 PMX-IE Sco 30.1667 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 8 PMX-AE Sco 30.1667 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, No Differences Among the Groups

Microbiological Results Data Display CFU/ml Row PMX-IE PMX-AE P + F-IE P + F-AE FARN-IE FARN-AE 1 0 0 11950000 255 15200000 7500000 2 16750000 0 415000 1100000 18150000 1285000 Ker-3 3 5800000 995000 16650000 35500 30100000 1400000 4 1650000 0 50 9500 45200000 7750000 5 12500 12500 13600000 50 18600000 6650000 Ker-4 6 92000 350 5200000 8050 21400000 8250000 Row CON-IE CON-AE Onset-IE Onset-AE 1 467000000 1650000 15000 1635000 2 221500000 23500000 107000 130000 PMX-Ker-3 3 202000000 5400000 132500 133000 4 115000000 30500 75000 118000 5 253000000 69000000 59000 61000 PMX-Ker-4 6 15000000 176000000 55500 2500 Data Display Log₁₀ CFU/ml FARN-AE Row PMX-IE Log PMX-AE Log P + F-IE Log P + F-AE Log FARN-IE Log Log 1 0.00000 0.00000 7.07737 2.40654 7.18184 6.87506 2 7.22401 0.00000 5.61805 6.04139 7.25888 6.10890 K-3 3 6.76343 5.99782 7.22141 4.55023 7.47857 6.14613 4 6.21748 0.00000 1.69897 3.97772 7.65514 6.88930 5 4.09691 4.09691 7.13354 1.69897 7.26951 6.82282 K-4 6 4.96379 2.54407 6.71600 3.90580 7.33041 6.91645 Onset-IE Onset-AE Row CON-IE Log CON-AE Log Log Log 1 8.66932 6.21748 4.17609 6.21352 2 8.34537 7.37107 5.02938 5.11394 PMX-Ker-3 3 8.30535 6.73239 5.12222 5.12385 4 8.06070 4.48430 4.87506 5.07188 5 8.40312 7.83885 4.77085 4.78533 PMX-Ker-4 6 7.17609 8.24551 4.74429 3.39794 Descriptive Statistics Log₁₀ CFU/ml Total Variable Count Mean SE Mean StDev Minimum Median Maximum PMX-IE Log 6 4.88 1.08 2.66 0.00 5.59 7.22 PMX-AE Log 6 2.11 1.04 2.55 0.00 1.27 6.00 P + F-IE Log 6 5.911 0.876 2.147 1.699 6.897 7.221 P + F-AE Log 6 3.763 0.632 1.548 1.699 3.942 6.041 FARN-IE Log 6 7.3624 0.0712 0.1744 7.1818 7.3000 7.6551 FARN-AE Log 6 6.626 0.158 0.388 6.109 6.849 6.916 CON-IE Log 6 8.160 0.212 0.520 7.176 8.325 8.669 CON-AE Log 6 6.815 0.554 1.356 4.484 7.052 8.246 Onset-IE Log 6 4.786 0.136 0.333 4.176 4.823 5.122 Onset-AE Log 6 4.951 0.370 0.906 3.398 5.093 6.214

Microbiological Results - Intact Epithelium Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test - Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 Onset-IE L 6.8333 2, 3, 2 PMX-IE Log 9.6667 1, 3, 3 P + F-IE Log 12.6667 1, 2, P = 0.05 4 FARN-IE Lo 22.1667 5, 5 CON-IE Log 26.1667 4, ONSET = PMX = P + F < FARN = CON

Microbiological Results - Abraded Epithelium Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Duncan Multiple Comparisons Test - Log₁₀ CFU/ml Row # Group/Level Mean Rank C.I. Overlaps 1 PMX-AE Log 6.5000 2, 2 P + F-AE Log 9.3333 1, 3 Onset-AE L 14.3333 P = 0.05 4 FARN-AE Lo 23.5000 5, 5 CON-AE Log 23.8333 4, PMX = P + F < ONSET < FARN = CON

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 4 w/o FARN vs. w/ FARN - Intact Epithelium Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-IE Log, P + F-IE Log N Median PMX-IE Log 6 5.591 P + F-IE Log 6 6.897 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.757 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−3.124, 1.607) W = 34.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.4712 NS

Microbiological Results - 0.25% Oligomer 4 w/o FARN vs. w/ FARN - Abraded Epithelium Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-AE Log, P + F-AE Log N Median PMX-AE Log 6 1.272 P + F-AE Log 6 3.942 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −1.822 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−4.549, 1.690) W = 32.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.2980 The test is significant at 0.2946 NS (adjusted for ties)

Microbiological Results - Intact vs. Abraded Epithelium N Median Mann-Whitney Test and CI: PMX-IE Log, PMX-AE Log PMX-IE Log 6 5.591 PMX-AE Log 6 1.272 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 3.400 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.001, 6.764) W = 50.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.0927 The test is significant at 0.0864 NS (adjusted for ties) Mann-Whitney Test and CI: P + F-IE Log, P + F-AE Log P + F-IE Log 6 6.897 P + F-AE Log 6 3.942 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 2.705 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−0.423, 4.727) W = 50.5 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.0782 The test is significant at 0.0776 NS (adjusted for ties) Mann-Whitney Test and CI: FARN-IE Log, FARN-AE Log FARN-IE Log 6 7.3000 FARN-AE Log 6 6.8489 FARN-AE < FARN-IE Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 0.5964 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.3588, 1.1843) W = 57.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.0051 Mann-Whitney Test and CI: CON-IE Log, CON-AE Log CON-IE Log 6 8.325 CON-AE Log 6 7.052 CON-AE < CON-IE Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is 1.003 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (0.100, 2.691) W = 53.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.0306 Mann-Whitney Test and CI: Onset-IE Log, Onset-AE Log Onset-IE Log 6 4.823 Onset-AE Log 6 5.093 Point estimate for ETA1-ETA2 is −0.218 95.5 Percent CI for ETA1-ETA2 is (−1.091, 0.778) W = 32.0 Test of ETA1 = ETA2 vs ETA1 not = ETA2 is significant at 0.2980 NS

Summary of Statistical Comparisons for Microbiological Data <= Significantly Fewer Colony Counts Effect of Abraded Epithelium on Effectiveness of Each Test Solution or Onset Control PMX Abraded = Intact P + F Abraded = Intact FARN Abraded < Intact Saline Control Abraded < Intact Onset of Therapy Control Abraded = Intact Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Intact Epithelium ONSET = PMX = P + F < FARN = CON Effect of Test Solutions on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX = P + F < ONSET < FARN = CON Effect of Farnesol on 0.25% Oligomer 4 on Corneas with Intact Epithelium PMX = P + F Effect of Farnesol on 0.25% Oligomer 4 on Corneas with Abraded Epithelium PMX = P + F

Summary of Results

0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) were effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Saline Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model when the corneal epithelium was intact or removed from the corneas. 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) were effective in reducing fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Onset of Therapy Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model when the corneal epithelium was removed but not when the epithelium was intact. There was no difference in fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts in the NZW rabbit keratitis model between 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) with intact or abraded corneal epithelium. 200 mM Farnesol alone was not effective in reducing colony counts fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colony counts compared with the Saline Control in the NZW rabbit keratitis model. Eyes treated with 200 mM Farnesol alone and Saline demonstrated significantly fewer colony counts in eyes with the corneal epithelium removed compared to those with intact epithelium. 0.25% Oligomer 4 (PMX) and 0.25% Oligomer 4 with 200 mM Farnesol (P+F) and 200 mM Farnesol alone did not induce statistically greater toxicity (as manifested by higher Total Ocular Scores) compared with the Saline treated eyes in eyes with intact or abraded corneal epithelia.

The biomimetic Oligomer 4 was effective in significantly reducing colony counts in a fluoroquinolone-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NZW rabbit keratitis model. Oligomer 4 formulations were effective when the corneal epithelium was removed suggesting that epithelium appears to be barrier for penetration of Oligomer 4 to the site of infection in the corneal stroma. The addition of 200 mM Farnesol did nothing to promote penetration Oligomer 4 through intact corneal epithelium, nor did it enhance its antibacterial efficacy. In fact, a trend toward antagonism was observed. Mechanical abrasion of the corneal epithelium alone reduced the bacterial colony counts in the control eyes. Therefore, the lower colony counts observed in the Oligomer 4-treated abraded eyes does not necessarily indicate greater drug efficacy. No significant ocular toxicity was observed for any formulation in this rabbit keratitis model.

Having now fully described this invention, it will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that the same can be performed within a wide and equivalent range of conditions, formulations, and other parameters without affecting the scope of the invention or any embodiment thereof. All documents, e.g., scientific publications, patents, patent applications, and patent publications recited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Where the document cited only provides the first page of the document, the entire document is intended, including the remaining pages of the document. Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I: R¹—[—X-A₁-Y—X-A₂-Y—]_(m)—R²  (I) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, O, or S; Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, or —C(═O)C(═O)—; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or A₁ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene and A₂ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or A₂ is optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, and A₁ is a C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl or —(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 1 to 7, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is (i) hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group, and R² is —X-A₁-Y—R¹¹, wherein R¹¹ is hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group; or (ii) R¹ and R² are, independently, hydrogen, a polar (PL) group, or a non-polar (NPL) group; or (iii) R¹ and R² together are a single bond; NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5″))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and m is 1 to about 20; and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the oligomer has Formula IIa: R¹—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—X-A₁-X—R²  (IIa) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, O, S, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—; Y is C═O, C═S, or O═S═O; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL); R² is R¹; NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)-5—C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; and q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or
 2. 3. An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II: R¹—[—X-A₁-X—Y-A2-Y—]_(m)—R²  (II) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, O, S, —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—, —N(R⁸)—(N═N)—, —(N═N)—N(R⁸)—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))NR⁸—, —C(R⁷R^(7′))O—, or —C(R⁷R^(7′))S—; Y is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —C(═O)C(═O)—, C(R⁶R^(6′))C═O, or C(R⁶R^(6′))C═S; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; R⁷ and R^(7′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or R⁷ and R^(7′) together are —(CH₂)_(p)—, wherein p is 4 to 8; R⁶ and R^(6′) are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl, or R⁶ and R^(6′) together are (CH₂)₂NR¹²(CH₂)₂, wherein R¹² is hydrogen, —C(═N)CH₃ or C(═NH)—NH₂; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); (iii) —Y-A₂-Y—R², and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL); or (iv) —Y-A′ and R² is —X-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (v) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL); or (vi) R¹ and R² together form a single bond; NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and m is 1 to about 20, and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.
 4. An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV: R¹—[—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z]_(m)—R²  (IV) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O; Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A₁-X—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ and A₂ are as defined above, and each of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (iii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A′-X—R¹, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (iv) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is —X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A′-Y—R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above, A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A₁ and A′ is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (v) -Z-Y-A′ and R² is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (vi) -Z-Y-A′, and R² is —X-A″, wherein A′ and A″ are, independently, aryl or heteroaryl, and each of A′ and A″ is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (vii) R¹ and R² are, independently, a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL); or (viii) R¹ and R² together form a single bond; NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; and m is 1 to about 20; and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.
 5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the oligomer has Formula IVa, Formula IVb, or Formula IVc: R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVa) R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X—R²  (IVb) R¹—X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y-Z-X-A₁-X-Z-Y-A₂-Y—R²  (IVc) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, or O; Y is NR⁸, —NR⁸NR⁸—, C═O, S, or O; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; Z is C═O, C═S, O═S═O, —NR⁸NR⁸—, or —C(═O)C(═O)—; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL); R² is R¹; NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; and q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or
 2. 6. An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V: R¹—[-A₁-W-A₂-W—]_(m)—R²  (V) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein: (i) A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0 to 8, and the —(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups; W is absent, or represents —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C—; R¹ is (i) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is -A₁-R¹, wherein A₁ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) hydrogen, a polar group (PL), or a non-polar group (NPL), and R² is -A₁-W-A₂-R¹, wherein each of A₁ and A₂ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (iii) A′-W— and R² is -A₁-W-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (iv) A′-W— and R² is -A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) groups(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (iv) R¹ and R² together form a single bond; NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ or —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴, wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N— and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to 2; and m is 1 to about 25; and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the oligomer has Formula Va: R¹-A₁-W-A₂-W-A1-R²  (Va) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein: (i) A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); or (ii) one of A₁ or A₂ is as defined above and is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); and the other of A₁ or A₂ is the group —C≡C(CH₂)_(p)C≡C—, wherein p is 0 to 8, and the —(CH₂)_(p)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups; W is —C≡C—; R¹ is hydrogen, a polar group (PL), a non-polar group (NPL), or —W-A′, wherein A′ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R² is R¹; NPL is a nonpolar group —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R⁴; R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR³—, —(C═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³—O—, —R³—S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0 to 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR^(5′))_(q1pL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —(C═O)—, —(C═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —(C═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —(C═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the alkylene chain —(CH₂)_(pPL)— is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxyl groups, or the alkylene chain is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; and q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0 to
 2. 8. An ophthalmic composition, comprising an effective amount of an antimicrobial random copolymer of Formula VI: A-(B)_(n1)-(D)_(m1)-H  (VI) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: A is the residue of a chain transfer agent; B is —[CH₂—C(R¹¹)(B₁₁)]—, wherein B₁₁ is —X₁₁—Y₁₁-Z₁₁, wherein X₁₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₁₁ is absent; Y₁₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or Y₁₁ is absent; Z₁₁ is -Z_(11A)-Z_(11B), wherein Z_(11A) is alkylene, arylene, or heteroarylene, any of which is optionally substituted; or Z_(11A) is absent; and Z_(11B) is -guanidino, -amidino, —N(R³)(R⁴), or —N⁺(R³)(R⁴)(R⁵), wherein R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or aralkyl; or Z₁₁ is pyridinium

or phosphonium

wherein R⁸¹, R⁹¹¹, R⁹²¹, and R⁹³¹ are, independently, hydrogen or alkyl; R¹¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; D is —[CH₂—C(R²¹)(D₂₁)]—, wherein D₂₁ is —X₂₁—Y₂₁-Z₂₁, wherein X₂₁ is carbonyl (—C(═O)—) or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene; or X₂₁ is absent; Y₂₁ is O, NH, or optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, or Y₂₁ is absent; Z₂₁ is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which is optionally substituted; R²¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; m₁, the mole fraction of D monomer, is about 0.1 to about 0.9; and n₁, the mole fraction of B monomer, is 1−m₁; wherein the copolymer is a random copolymer of B and D monomers, and wherein the copolymer has a degree of polymerization of about 5 to about 50; and an ophthalmically acceptable excipient.
 9. An antimicrobial ophthalmic composition, the composition comprising: (a) an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IIa: R¹—X-A₁-X—Y-A₂-Y—X-A₁-X—R²  (IIa) or an acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: X is NR⁸, O, S, or —N(R⁸)N(R⁸)—; Y is C═O, C═S, or O═S═O; R⁸ is hydrogen or alkyl; A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted arylene or optionally substituted heteroarylene, wherein A₁ and A₂ are, independently, optionally substituted with one or more polar (PL) group(s), one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s), or a combination of one or more polar (PL) group(s) and one or more non-polar (NPL) group(s); R¹ is a polar group (PL) or a non-polar group (NPL); R² is R¹; NPL is a nonpolar group independently selected from —B(OR⁴)₂ and —(NR^(3′))_(q1NPL)—U^(NPL)—(CH₂)_(pNPL)—(NR^(3″))_(q2NPL)—R^(4′), wherein: R³, R^(3′), and R^(3″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; R⁴ and R^(4′) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl or halo groups; U^(NPL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR³, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR³—, —C(═O)—NR³—N═N—, —N═N—NR³—, —C(═N—N(R³)₂)—, —C(═NR³)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R³O—, —R³S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR³—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; the —(CH₂)_(pNPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pNPL is 0 to 8; q1NPL and q2NPL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; PL is a polar group selected from halo, hydroxyethoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, polyoxyethylene, and —(NR⁵)_(q1PL)—U^(PL)—(CH₂)_(pPL)—(NR^(5′))_(q2PL)—V, wherein: R⁵, R^(5′), and R^(5″) are, independently, selected from hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy; U^(PL) is absent or selected from O, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, NR⁵, —C(═S)—, —C(═O)—N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═O)—NR⁵—N═N—, —N═N—NR⁵—, —C(═N—N(R⁵)₂)—, —C(═NR⁵)—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)S—, —C(═S)—, —O—P(═O)₂O—, —R⁵⁰—, —R⁵S—, —S—C═N—, and —C(═O)—NR⁵—O—, wherein groups with two chemically nonequivalent termini can adopt both possible orientations; V is selected from nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, diazamino, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, semicarbazone, aryl, heterocycle and heteroaryl, any of which is optionally substituted with one or more of amino, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, —NH(CH₂)_(p)NH₂ wherein p is 1 to 4, —N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂, amidino, guanidino, guanyl, aminosulfonyl, aminoalkoxy, aminoalkythio, lower acylamino, or benzyloxycarbonyl; the —(CH₂)_(pPL)— alkylene chain is optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups, or is unsaturated; pPL is 0 to 8; and q1PL and q2PL are, independently, 0, 1, or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in an amount effective for treatment and/or prophylaxis of a microbial infection of an eye of an animal; and (b) an ophthalmically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to one or more tissues of the eye.
 10. A method of treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to the eye of the animal in need thereof an effective amount of an ophthalmic composition of claim
 1. 11. A method for treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula I of claim 1 in an amount effective to treat the infection.
 12. A method for treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula II of claim 3 in an amount effective to treat the infection.
 13. A method for treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula IV of claim 4 in an amount effective to treat the infection.
 14. A method for treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula V of claim 6 in an amount effective to treat the infection.
 15. A method for treating a microbial infection in an eye of an animal comprising administering to one or more tissues of the eye an antimicrobial ophthalmic composition comprising an antimicrobial oligomer of Formula VI of claim 8 in an amount effective to treat the infection. 